Former SMB import says he has given up hope of being naturalized by Gilas

PHOTO: SGA

DON’T look now, but Gilas Pilipinas prospect Chris McCullough is now being eyed by Chinese Taipei for naturalization.

The development was confirmed to SPIN.ph by no less than McCullough’s coach at Strong Group Athletics-Philippines in the ongoing Jones Cup.

“Yes, scouts and officials from Taiwan approached him here and have become more aggressive after seeing Chris tow us to a win against Ukraine last Monday,” said Charles Tiu in a chat on Wednesday.

In that game, the former San Miguel import scored 8 of his 28 points in the final two minutes to lead the Philippine side to a 82-74 come-from-behind win – its third in as many games in the annual showpiece.

McCullough later told SPIN.ph that he already lost hope of playing for Gilas Pilipinas and is now tinkering with the prospect of playing for Taiwan.

“I definitely lost hope for Gilas. I no longer speak about it. I just feel like If they wanted it to happen, it would’ve happened already,” said McCollough.

“Since 2019 I’ve expressed [interest in] playing for Gilas and donning the [Philippine] colors. Always been my dream, even with all the Filipino fans I have behind me from all these years also reaching out and expressing their desire to see me play,” he added.

McCullough, who played for the Brooklyn Nets and the Washington Wizards in the NBA, revealed that playing for Strong Group and with a bunch of former Gilas players will be probably the closest he will ever get to representing the Philippines.

“I believe Chinese Taipei is taking the right steps toward making Taiwanese basketball bigger by showing me interest and wanting to have a player/person such as myself,” said the 6-9 ½ former Syracuse standout.

“I’m completely grateful for the opportunity if I get the chance but more grateful that I am recognized in another country to become a local,” he said.

Though he declined to comment on the details of what he and the Taiwanese officials have discussed, McCullough bared he is still open to other options.

And coming off an ACL tear from a stint in PLeague+, also in Taiwan, McCullough stressed that not much has changed in his game since recovering from the injury.

“The way I am playing the lead role here at Strong Group’s campaign just greatly shows that I am still him! And that my love of the game has always been there. But most importantly showing my ability to still be a winner wherever I’m at,” he said.

McCullough shows love to PH fans

McCullough, who led San Miguel to the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship, also expressed gratitude for the trust given to him by SGA and the chance for him to reintroduce himself to Filipino basketball fans.

“It feels surreal and amazing to be this close to somewhat being a part of the national team. And representing the Philippines. From my perspective it’s fun to be playing the game that I love representing the Pinoy colors while also having so many fans watch and cheer for us,” he said.

“Playing with Filipinos for me always came easy since my SMB days. Everyone I’ve played with knows me or heard of me from my SMB stint. I believe that I adapted easily to the Filipino game and I also complement the locals – something I’ve always wanted to do was represent internationally since Day One. So getting the chance with SGA made my dream come true.”

For his SGA mentor Tiu, who was once part of Gilas Pilipinas 1.0’s coaching staff under Rajko Toroman, the opportunity to have an agile and versatile big man like McCullough is something that the Philippines should not let pass.

“Sayang ‘yun. Look at his value to our team especially his clutch baskets and leadership. Though our Gilas team is already bannered by tall locals like Kai Sotto and AJ Edu, I think it won’t hurt us having another big man as naturalized player,” said Tiu.

Tiu said McCullough is comfortable playing the 3 spot like Justin Brownlee, so he can give Gilas a big frontcourt when he teams up with June Mar Fajardo, Sotto and Edu.

“Basketball has been improving globally and the fact that Taiwan is going after some of the best available talents for naturalization, I think we should be more aggressive also,” said the brother of former Gilas pioneer Chris Tiu.