TNT Tropang 5G Brings in New Import for PBA Semifinals
The TNT Tropang 5G have secured a new import for their return match against the Meralco Bolts in Game 4 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner's Cup semifinals. The game takes place on Wednesday evening, May 27, 2026, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The new addition is former San Miguel Beermen import Chris McCullough, who replaces the team's original and impressive but injured import, the 7'3" Bol Bol. Bol suffered an Achilles injury late in the first quarter during the Tropang 5G's 76-87 loss in Game 2.
Due to the injury, the Tropang 5G were forced to play Game 3 without an import. Surprisingly, they defeated the Bolts 77-75 in that game, giving them a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. However, the team is aware that sustaining their performance against the Bolts without an import would be difficult.
While searching for a replacement for Bol, the team found that McCullough had just finished his commitment with the Taiwan Professional Basketball League. McCullough did not hesitate to accept the Tropang 5G's offer, especially since he is a close friend of the team's resident import, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who recommended that the team sign McCullough.
From Taiwan, McCullough flew directly to the Philippines instead of returning to the United States as originally planned.
“We talked and it was quick. And he’s OK with the situation,” said TNT Team Manager Jojo Lastimosa, as quoted on www.pba.ph.
McCullough, a former National Basketball Association (NBA) player, last played in the PBA in 2019, when he led the Beermen to the championship of that conference, ironically against the Tropang 5G.
In the first game of the evening, the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings will face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Game 4 of their own semifinal series. The Gin Kings currently lead that exciting series 2-1.
