While familiar faces are set to star in the latest PBA finals clash between the TNT Tropang 5G and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, Chris McCullough believes this installment will be one for the books.
“I think this is going to be one of the PBA finals that will be remembered for a long time,” said Chris McCullough during the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup finals press conference.
While McCullough is no stranger to winning a PBA crown, his current stint marks a new chapter for the returning reinforcement, as he is now playing for the same squad he once defeated while still with San Miguel Beermen in 2019.
“This is a full-circle moment for me,” said McCullough, who replaced former TNT import Bol Bol after the 7-foot-3 wonder went down with an Achilles injury.
TNT’s decision to bring in McCullough has paid off so far, with the former Washington Wizards forward averaging 29.3 points, 11 rebounds and 3.7 assists to steer the Tropang 5G back to the finals.
But aside from getting another shot at glory, McCullough is also excited about finally facing Justin Brownlee in the PBA’s biggest stage.
“I was about 13 or 14 years old when he was in college, so to finally be able to play against him, it will be good,” said McCullough.
Meanwhile, Brownlee also had high praise for McCullough.
“I’ve known Chris for a long time,” said the six-time PBA champion.
“He’s versatile, so it’s going to be a huge challenge for us — not to stop him — but to contain him.”
TNT enters the series as the defending champion and is looking to reassert its mastery over Ginebra, which the Tropang 5G have beaten in three straight finals meetings.
The Gin Kings, on the other hand, are hoping to end a three-year title drought after falling short of winning a PBA crown since defeating the Bay Area Dragons in the Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup during the 2022-2023 season.
With all these storylines in place, McCullough believes their best-of-seven showdown will exceed expectations.
“Great teams going up against great players. This is going to be one that will be remembered,” he said. (ABS-CBN News)