TNT, as a unit, may have become a lot better with Chris McCullough as its import rather than with Bol Bol.
In essence, that was how Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone described TNT when asked how different the Tropang 5G is now with McCullough as their import.
Barangay Ginebra faced a Bol-led TNT at the close of the eliminations with the Gin Kings beating the Tropang 5G, 93-86, last May 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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The Gin Kings will now be up against a McCullough-reinforced Tropang 5G after Bol went down early in the semifinals of the Commissioner’s Cup against Meralco due to an Achilles tear.
“I think they are a lot more integrated now in terms of everyone contributing,” said Cone, when asked about the difference of TNT now with McCullough as its import.
“I thought when Bol Bol was there, they really had a more difficult time trying to keep everyone involved in spite of how tremendously great Bol was. I think Chris is a much better fit in terms of keeping everybody involved,” he continued.
Cone said TNT’s 29 percent shooting from threes during the eliminations was a proof of his point.
“Coach Chot said it that they struggled with their three-point shooting earlier because I think it was just difficult getting everybody in rhythm with such tremendous talent that Bol Bol was,” said Cone.
McCullough has made a quick impact in such short of a time with TNT, averaging 29.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.3 blocks in three games during the semifinals.
That included a 42-point performance in TNT’s 103-95 win over Meralco.
Cone said TNT is now back to its old form that led to championships, including twice at their expense during the 49th Season.
“Now, they are back to playing Talk ‘N Text brand of basketball that made them better and tougher coming into this series,” said Cone.
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