PBA: How RHJ gave TNT an assist as Chris McCullough eyes return

As TNT Tropang 5G went all-Filipino in Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup on Sunday, a familiar face was seen in the stands.

Former San Miguel Beermen import Chris McCullough sat beside Tropang 5G manager Jojo Lastimosa, with the former PBA champion being considered as a possible reinforcement for TNT.

While TNT head coach Chot Reyes said the team has yet to officially name a replacement import, another candidate in Malick Diouf was also present and initially lined up for the game. However, the processing of his papers was not completed in time for tipoff.

Still, McCullough acknowledged the possibility of suiting up once again in the league.

“Just take it one game at a time. We've got a great win, so hopefully we can carry on with the next game. And that's it. We've all got our priorities put in place a little bit,” he said.

McCullough revealed that it was three-time champion import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson who helped open the door for the opportunity.

“Rondae called me and he made it happen.”

Even before officially joining the squad, McCullough said he already felt welcomed by the Tropang 5G.

“They welcomed me in the locker room, welcomed me here, so it should be good,” he said.

WITH AN ASSIST FROM RHJ

Chris McCollough said former TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had a hand in how the Tropang 5G contacted him as one of their options as replacement import for Bol Bol @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/AVeSCUcoYW

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) May 24, 2026

McCullough was part of San Miguel’s championship-winning squad in the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup and most recently played for the Taoyuan Leopards.

Diouf or McCullough?

For Reyes, the decision remains open as TNT weighs whether Diouf, McCullough, or another candidate would be the best fit as replacement for Bol Bol.

“It's very ticklish because on one end, introducing a new element to the team can always go both ways. It can give us a jolt of energy, but it can also get in the way of already how smooth things are going with the team,” Reyes said.

Diouf joined TNT practice last Saturday, though Reyes clarified that he requested the newly naturalized player to attend sessions even before McCullough arrived.

“We still want to see both of them because we want to see who will fit us better,” Reyes added.

Will TNT get Malick Diouf or Chris McCollough as their next import? Coach Chot Reyes talks about their import situation @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/sIyGu9MCQQ

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) May 24, 2026

The veteran coach also stressed that while Chris McCullough brings solid credentials, the team still has to assess his conditioning and chemistry with the squad.

“We all know the caliber of McCullough, except we're not really sure in the kind of game shape he's been coming off his stint in Taiwan, but at least he's been playing.”

“But I think the most important thing really is the assimilation with the guys. We'll take a look at what our options are. Maybe we might even be — we're still even looking beyond the two guys who are here already — but that's a work in progress," said Reyes.

TNT leads the series, 2-1, as it escaped Meralco 77-75 on Sunday.

—GMA News