MANILA, Philippines—When Chris McCullough arrived in San Miguel late in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, the Beermen’s campaign already looked hopeless.
The Beermen were at a miserable 2-5 and were in danger of missing the playoffs for the just the second time in the Leo Austria era.
Things immediately started to change for the Beermen when McCullough took over as they went on a three-game winning streak and the rest is history.
McCullough, who once played for the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards, capped the Beermen’s improbable turnaround, leading them the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup title after a grueling six games against top seed TNT.
It can be said that McCullough, who averaged 33.8 points, 14 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals, was a savior of San Miguel’s but the former NBA player said he just came in and did his part of helping the Beermen.
“I’m not a savior, not at all,” said McCullough after San Miguel’s 102-90 Game 6 win Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. “I just came in and helped the team that’s it.”
“It feels good to be champion, besides high school this is my first time, this is my first pro championship. We were down 2-5 when I got here and we came in and we won a championship.”
McCullough, who averaged 31.5 points, 16.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.8 blocks, added that helping San Miguel to the championship won’t be his last foray in Philippine basketball.
The 24-year-old 6-foot-11 forward wants to play for Gilas Pilipinas and he wants to be a naturalized Filipino citizen.
“I want to play, man. If I get naturalized I want to play,” said McCullough who immediately captivated the Filipinos’ affection when he professed his love for the immensely popular Chickenjoy of Jollibee.
“It’s an opportunity for me so I’d love to play.”
As for celebrating his first professional title, McCullough said Chickenjoy is already on his mind.
“How many buckets? A lot, I don’t know a lot. I’m about to go right now and get that to be honest. Two-piece with extra gravy!”