Former San Miguel import Chris McCullough is set to replace Terry Larrier when Strong Group Athletics opens its bid in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship on Friday, Jan. 24.

Fresh from his Indonesian league stint, the 29-year-old McCullough is expected to add firepower to the already potent SGA side which he also steered in the 2024 William Jones Cup last July 2024.

In that tournament, the 6-foot-9 forward came out huge for the Philippine ball club after averaging 21.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks per contest, numbers that helped him earn the Most Valuable Player award.

With his addition, the former NBA cager will be reunited with head coach Charles Tiu.

“Thankful he decided to play for us again. He just wanted to hoop. To be honest, he was the one who found ways to get permission to play for us, and it says a lot about him wanting to play for the Philippines,” said Tiu.

“We’ve got a good relationship, and I’m so looking forward to working with him again,” Tiu shared,” he added.

McCullough became a key reinforcement for San Miguel in 2019, powering the Beermen against the Terrence Jones-led TNT KaTropa in the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals.