Chris McCullough to replace Bol Bol as TNT import

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

One of the most dominant scoring imports the PBA has ever seen is set for a highly anticipated return.

On May 25, 2026, TNT Tropang 5G management confirmed that former San Miguel Beermen reinforcement Chris McCullough is set to replace the injured Bol Bol, who can no longer continue his quest for a PBA crown after suffering a torn Achilles injury.

According to multiple reports, McCullough arrived in the Philippines last Sunday and is ready to boost the Tropang 5G today for Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

Three days ago, TNT had been looking for a replacement after Bol was ruled out for the remainder of the import-laced conference.

The team initially tapped the services of former University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons star Malick Diouf, but the Senegalese center failed to suit up in Game 3 due to a lack of documentary requirements.

TNT disclosed that Diouf’s Games and Amusements Board (GAB) license and Bureau of Immigration permit were not finalized over the weekend, leaving the Tropang 5G with a huge void to fill when they faced a healthy Meralco squad during the pivotal Game 3.

However, TNT’s all-local core, led by the clutch RR Pogoy, answered the call as they stunned the Bolts to take a 2-1 series lead, 77-75.

With McCullough bolstering the team, the Tropang 5G have found a new lease on life as the three-level scorer once led San Miguel to the championship title in 2019.

Ironically, McCullough and the Beermen defeated TNT in six games, and he dominated the title-sealing Game 6 with 35 points and 19 rebounds.

McCullough went through a rough patch in 2023 when he tore his ACL while playing in Taiwan but later returned when he signed with Strong Group Athletics (SGA) in the 43rd William Jones Cup.

According to McCullough, it was TNT mainstay import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson who persuaded him to play for the Tropang 5G.

RHJ is still recovering from a ruptured right ACL injury and will most likely return to TNT once he is cleared for full basketball activities.

McCullough will look to put the Tropang 5G ahead 3-1 in the series today as he battles Marvin Jones and the Bolts in the second scheduled semifinal game at Smart Araneta Coliseum.