DESPITE the last-minute addition, the addition of former San Miguel import Chris McCullough proved worthwhile for Strong Group Athletics (SGA) in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship. 

Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu’s choice to bring in a familiar player is paying off, as the team has a 2-0 win-loss record in the early stages of the tournament with McCullough at the helm. 

The Gilas Pilipinas hopeful continues to make a case for himself, demonstrating his capacity to lead a team or contribute significantly at the international level of competition.

A Statement Performance

Despite having a short window to prepare for the Dubai competition, since they added players one by one during that time, SGA remains unmanageable for the two teams they faced. 

In their first game, SGA pulled away in a close game against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Men’s National Basketball Team, 99-91, while defeating Al Nasr SC 99-87. 

What stood out in those two games was McCullough’s steady contributions to the club, despite being a last-minute replacement for international journeyman Terry Larrier.

C-Mac led the UAE with 28 points, six rebounds, a steal, an assist, and a block. Following that effort, he recorded 31 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and a block against Al Nasr. 

Not enough for Tiu

Admittedly, SGA head coach Tiu identified numerous areas for the team to improve. Despite having a star-studded lineup, the performance is unsatisfactory, as UAE led briefly before SGA pulled away.

“Ugly first win for us over the revamped UAE national Team (with their new imports),” said Tiu in an X post after their first game. “Good to get the rust out of the way in our very first game as a team.”

“We did not have a single tune up game in our preparations. We will definitely come out much better tomorrow,” he went on to assure the fans who watched the game in the Philippines, despite different time zones.

SGA was put to the test again in the second game, as they were only up by five with 7:21 remaining. The former Washington Wizard then went on an 11-to-nothing personal run to lead the squad to victory. 

McCullough’s performance was nothing short of outstanding, demonstrating to many how useful he may be in any international league that a Philippine-represent club hopes to join. 

Nonetheless, Strong Group Athletics will strive to continue their momentum by facing Beirut First on Tuesday, January 28, at 1:00 a.m. (Manila Time), while improving their chances for a redemption tour.