Meralco Bolts, you have been warned. Chris McCullough has got a lot more in store.
Finally back in the PBA after nearly seven full years, the artist also known as CMac had an uneven return game, tallying 24 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks in TNT Tropang 5G’s 101-90 loss to the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday. But he also shot just 7‑for‑22 from the field, missed all five of his three‑point attempts, and turned the ball over four times. He even missed five free throws.
He also couldn’t deliver down the stretch, just as TNT launched its final, last-ditch rally.
More to Come from McCullough
All things considered, McCullough’s Game 4 was decent. But for those who’ve seen CMac at his absolute best, they know it wasn’t even close to what McCullough can do.
And the 31‑year‑old American knows this with certainty. In fact, he even fired off what is essentially a warning to Meralco: better watch out.
“I’ve only been two days in practice, so tomorrow we’re going to work on some things. But as I said, it’s going to be worth it to come back Friday,” McCullough told reporters after his return game. “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.”
Indeed, things could get scary for Meralco—and it might not be hyperbole. Even with little time to prepare and reacclimate, McCullough still looked like a walking mismatch—taller and seemingly stronger than Javee Mocon and Cliff Hodge but quicker and more athletic than counterpart Patrick Gardner and the rest of the Bolts’ big men.
Task at Hand Is Game 5
With his return under his belt, McCullough is now turning his attention to Friday’s Game 5 as he takes a one‑game‑at‑a‑time approach.
“It’s taking one game at a time. We’ve got a game Friday, one game at a time, get a win, come back, and that’s it,” CMac added.
On Wednesday, Chris McCullough played an okay game. On Friday, in an all‑important Game 5, he could be scary good.
