McCullough admits PBA schedule makes SMB return unlikely

McCullough admits PBA schedule makes SMB return unlikely

CHRIS McCullough is always raring to go back and play for San Miguel in the PBA.

But like in the past, wrong timing gets in the way again for the long-awaited reunion.

The former NBA player won't be eligible to play in the PBA again until the mid-season Commissioner's Cup where the league doesn't impose a height limit.

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Unfortunately, it would be a long period of waiting for McCullough that he might already be playing elsewhere by the time a call-up from the Beermen comes.

"It starts in December which is kinda late for me. So we'll just see how it goes. I just kinda take my time with it," said McCullough.

"I might have already been signed by then. So we'll see how it goes."

The ex-San Miguel import is back in the country for the first time in five years to play for Strong Group Athletics that will be vying for the coming Jones Cup.

He was a champion the last time he was here in 2019 when he steered San Miguel to the Commissioner's Cup championship past the highly-favored TNT Tropang Giga featuring another former NBA stalwart in Terrence Jones.

chris mccullough sga jones cup

PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

Time and again, McCullough had expressed interest in coming back and donning the San Miguel uniform again.

Unfortunately, he wasn't available each time the need arose as the import would always find himself locked up with another Asian club team when the Beermen would call.

But upon his return here last month, one of the first things he did was to reconnect with his former team.

SMB reunion

McCullough even watched Game 1 of the Philippine Cup Finals, which the Beermen lost, 94-87.

"I saw everybody (Beermen). Everybody was excited to see me. I was excited to be back in the arena and see old faces. I was just happy to be back," said McCullough.

The import shrugged off the Beermen's loss to the Meralco Bolts in six games.

"I know. But that happens," he said.

McCullough said he would also be interested in playing for other PBA teams should an offer come along.

"If the opportunity presents itself, I will play in the PBA. I don't care what's in my plate, though. Just to play in general," he said

Again if it's not too late yet for another PBA team to get his services.