Former SMB import Chris McCullough reiterates desire to serve as Gilas naturalized player

Chris McCullough has expressed his desire once more to be the Philippine national basketball team’s naturalized player.

The former San Miguel import, who led the team to the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup title, reacted to a news post by Spin.ph on Twitter regarding the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ plan to form a pool of naturalized players for future international competitions.

“I’m on call,” wrote McCullough on the SBP’s decision to move on from Andray Blatche who had a disastrous showing during the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

“Andray has helped us a lot in the past, but I think it’s time we move on from him,” said SBP president Al Panlilio who believes that the pool will give Gilas Pilipinas options and alternatives when it comes to roster formation.

“My objective is to have two to three names as a pool so we’ll have an elbow room. It depends on what the competition is, who’s injured, mayroon ka nang backup. That’s also the process, and it takes time,” he added.

The 24-year old native of New York, along with Brgy. Ginebra resident import Justin Brownlee, are among those being considered as Blatche’s potential successor.

McCullough is currently strutting his wares for Anyang KGC in the Korean Basketball League and has posted averages of 15.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks.

The concurrent Meralco Bolts team governor has since replied, telling McCullough to send him a direct message on the social media platform.

Chris, pls dm me. Thanks

— Al Panlilio (@ASPanlilio) January 6, 2020

The former NBA player has already signified his intention of following the footsteps of Blatche and Marcus Douthit via tweet last year.

Naturalized player for Gilas…. 👀🙋🏽‍♂️

— Chris McCullough (@brisskuno) July 30, 2019