CHRIS McCullough is set for a Strong Group return as he joins the squad for the 2025 Dubai International Basketball Championships to replace Terry Larrier.
McCulluough comes back for another tour of duty after leading the same team in the 2024 William Jones Cup where he was named MVP -- putting up averages of 21.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks in that championship run.
READ: SGA import Chris McCullough wins Jones Cup MVP award
His return will certainly boost SGA’s run in this tournament, as he’s already familiar with coach Charles Tiu’s system – leaving little adjustments for McCullough, if any, in joining the squad.
“Thankful he decided to play for us again. He just wanted to hoop. To be honest, he was the one who found ways to get permission to play for us, and it says a lot about him wanting to play for the Philippines,” Tiu said in a press release.
“We’ve got a good relationship, and I’m so looking forward to working with him again.”
“C-Mac” joins imports Demarcus Cousins and Malachi Richardson in leading this team alongside naturalized Gilas stars Andray Blatche and Ange Kouame.
They’ll be bolstered by some of the best players available in the country in Rhenz Abando, Mikey Williams, Dave Ildefonso and Jason Brickman.
Looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking finals loss in Dubai the last time out, Strong Group president Jacob Lao shared how they're going all-in in making sure they bring home the titlte this time.
“We left no stones unturned in assembling this team. From the coaching staff to the roster, every decision was made with the goal of giving our country another historic championship,” Lao said.
SGA will kick off its campaign in Dubai this Friday when it takes on the Dubai National Team, 11 PM, Philippine time.
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