Chris McCullough still rusty, but confident of bounceback

TNT Tropang 5G’s Chris McCullough during a game vs Meralco Bolts in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Game 4. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Chris McCullough is not dwelling too much on the struggles that marred his PBA return, this time for TNT in the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

McCullough scored 24 points but was 7-of-22 from the field as the Tropang 5G fell 101-90 to the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday, which leveled their best-of-seven affair at 2-2 inside Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The former San Miguel Beer reinforcement is confident that things will be smooth once he gets his groove going.

READ: Chris McCullough says call from RHJ made PBA return with TNT happen

“I didn’t play basketball in 13 days,” said McCullough, who came over from a stint in Taiwan to serve as a permanent replacement to the injured Bol Bol. “This is my first time picking up a basketball in 13 days, so I’m still getting my rhythm, still getting my flow.

“But once I get going, it’ll be scary,” he added.

TNT tapped McCullough shortly after Bol went down with an Achilles injury that ended his much-publicized PBA stint. He arrived Sunday, allowing him two days to get used to the team.

He also had nine rebounds, two assists and three blocks in 31 minutes for the Tropang 5G.

“Chemistry is regular,” he said. “I know most of the guys. I’ve only been to two days in practice, so tomorrow we’re going to work on things, see what works and come back and fight it.”

Game 5 is set for Friday at the Big Dome, with the winner taking an all-important 3-2 lead.

“Just take it one game at a time. We got a game Friday, one game at a time. Get a win and come back, and that’s it,” said McCullough.