PBA: McCullough wants return to NBA, Gilas naturalization

After savoring his first-ever professional basketball championship, San Miguel import Chris McCullough touched on his future plans, including a potential return to the NBA and naturalization for Gilas Pilipinas.

The prolific-scoring import dropped 35 points and 13 boards in the series-clinching 102-90 Game 6 victory over TNT KaTropa as the Beermen won the PBA Commissioner’s Cup title for the 2nd time in 3 seasons.

A former Washington Wizard and Brooklyn Net, said the feeling of winning a 1st championship was already special.

“It’s my first pro championship. Down 2-5 when I got here and we came and won a championship,” he said.

Coming in as a replacement import, McCullough turned things around for the Beermen, and fought with the squad as a 7th-seeded playoff team to overcome challenges. Still, McCullough deflected credit when asked if he was the savior of the team.

“Not at all. I just came in and helped the team,” he said.

With the Commissioner’s Cup finally over, McCullough had the chance to speak about his intention to play for the Philippine national team once again.

“I want to play. If I get naturalized, I want to play. It’s an opportunity for me and I want to play,” he said.

If possible, he would also like to return to the United States to play in the NBA. If that doesn’t come into fruition, he would always have a shot to defend the crown with the Beermen.

“Hopefully, I am back in the NBA by next year, but if not, back with SMB.”