Strong Group taps Chris McCullough in last-minute tweak before Dubai tilt

Chris McCullough is back in the fold for Strong Group Athletics as the prized import joins the club with a few days left before the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.

McCullough replaces Terry Larrier as the former San Miguel import links up with other reinforcements in DeMarcus Cousins and Malachi Richardson.

“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," SGA head coach Charles Tiu said.

"We’ve got a good relationship, and I’m so looking forward to working with him again."

McCullough previously suited up for SGA during the 2024 William Jones Cup, where he 21.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game to help steer the club to the title against home team Taiwan.

This time, he joins a new-look Strong Group that also features other local stars in Mikey Williams, Jason Brickman, Rhenz Abando, Dave Ildefonso, Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot, and Justine Sanchez.

SGA kicks off its campaign on Friday against the Dubai National Team at 11 p.m. (Manila time) before taking on Al Nasr on Sunday at 1 a.m., Amman on Tuesday at 1 a.m., and Beirut on Thursday at 1 a.m.

Only the top four teams from each group will advance to the crossover quarterfinals.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News