TNT Tropang Giga have officially signed former NBA player Chris McCullough as their new import for the remainder of the knockout phase of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, as the franchise looks to sustain its championship push following a major setback in the semifinals.
The move comes after TNT lost star import Bol Bol to a serious Achilles injury sustained during Game 2 of their semifinal series against the Meralco Bolts on Friday, May 22, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The injury abruptly ended what had been a dominant campaign for Bol, forcing TNT to move quickly to reinforce their roster ahead of the decisive stretch of the conference.
Despite the disruption, the Tropang Giga showed resilience, edging Meralco 77-75 in Game 3 on Sunday, May 24, also at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, to seize a crucial 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. McCullough was already present at the venue, observing his new teammates in action as he prepares for his long-awaited return to the PBA stage.
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TNT management wasted little time in securing the 31-year-old forward, a familiar name to Philippine basketball fans. McCullough acknowledged that his decision to return to the PBA was influenced heavily by a conversation with TNT guard and former teammate Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, with whom he shared NBA experience during their stint with the Brooklyn Nets from 2015 to 2017.
“Rondae called me and he made it happen. That’s the end of the story,” McCullough said.
TROPANG NETS
Chris McCullough said Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was a big reason why he accepted the offer to become TNT’s replacement for the injured Bol Bol. McCullough and Hollis-Jefferson used to teammates with the Brooklyn Nets @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/qDsFrYFQEx
— Jonas Terrado (@jonasterradoINQ) May 24, 2026
McCullough is no stranger to the PBA, having previously suited up for the San Miguel Beermen during the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup. In that campaign, he made a significant impact, leading the Beermen to a championship while delivering consistent, high-level performances throughout the conference and establishing himself as one of the most effective imports in recent league history.
Now returning to the Philippines, McCullough expressed both excitement and urgency as he prepares to join TNT in a high-stakes semifinal environment. He is expected to make his debut in Game 3 of the series against Meralco on Wednesday, May 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where immediate production will be expected from the veteran forward.
“I think when I step on the court on Wednesday, it will hit me a little differently. But I’m just still happy to be here. Just ready to get out there and play. Taking it one game at a time. That’s about it,” he added.
McCullough steps into a crucial role for TNT, filling the void left by Bol Bol, who had been one of the standout imports of the season prior to his injury. The pressure will be immediate, as the Tropang Giga are firmly in contention for a Finals berth and will rely on McCullough to quickly integrate into their system.
TNT head coach and management are expected to lean on the import’s experience, versatility, and familiarity with the PBA’s physical style of play as they attempt to maintain momentum in the series against a resilient Meralco squad.
Acknowledging the circumstances of his arrival, McCullough also expressed sympathy for his injured predecessor while emphasizing his commitment to the team’s goals moving forward.
“It’s sad to see an injury like that, but hopefully he can get back home and get surgery. I just want to help this team win as possible, do what I got to do, just play basketball,” McCullough concluded.
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