Brandon Ganuelas‑Rosser just goes out there and plays his role for the TNT Tropang 5G. And lately, that role has required him to be somewhat of a teacher to Chris McCullough, who came in only in the Tropa’s semifinals showdown against the Meralco Bolts.
Ganuelas‑Rosser, McCullough Playing Well
The two have formed a formidable frontcourt, with BGR’s toughness and physical play complementing CMac’s all‑around game. That this tandem is working is partly a credit to Ganuelas‑Rosser himself, who has welcomed McCullough and has been showing him the ropes.
“It’s been really good,” BGR said of his frontline partnership in an interview with Rebanse after TNT defeated Ginebra in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. “We’re learning on the fly on how to play together, so I’m just trying my best to be there for him, you know, encouraging him, teaching him what we need to do.”
That tandem was good in Game 4. BGR had 10 points and 8 boards, while McCullough put up 24 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks. They also anchored that great TNT defense in the second half that allowed them to tie the series at 2‑2.
Finding Ways to Win
While Ganuelas‑Rosser thinks he and McCullough have been playing well, he nonetheless acknowledged that the pairing is far from perfect.
“He’s been playing good. It’s not going to be perfect, but we just gonna find ways. We’re in a unique situation where, you know, we lost our import,” added BGR.
Ganuelas‑Rosser is referring to TNT’s original import, Bol Bol, who suffered a torn left Achilles in Game 2 of the semis. Said injury prompted the Tropa to find a replacement import, who turned out to be McCullough upon the recommendation of another TNT import, Rondae Hollis‑Jefferson.
Now in the thick of a championship fight, none of that matters now for the Tropa, according to BGR.
“As long as we find ways to win four games, that’s all that matters,” the bruising big man concluded.
TNT is at two games now. They can win a third later in Game 5, also at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
