ARWIND Santos has not been re-missed reminding import Chris McCullough to always keep his poise and self-control as he continues to adjust with the way things are done in the PBA.
Santos is well aware McCullough is now under the radar of just about every team especially after steering the Beermen to a quarterfinals berth in the Commissioner's Cup after an 89-87 win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in a Petron Blaze Saturday Special in Cagayan de Oro City.
McCullough has so far been unbeaten in his stint as a replacement of former Best Import Charles Rhodes, turning things around for the Beermen, who at one point of the tournament, appeared on the brink of missing the playoffs.
But with the former NBA first round draft pick at the helm, San Miguel has won its last three outings to get back on track of contending for the mid-season championship.
McCullough though has been paying the prize as he now contends with teams playing more physical against him especially come the playoffs.
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"Kaya ako kinakausap ko rin yung import namin na ang Filipino basketball minsan, yung mga hindi niya na-experience nung naglalaro siya sa Amerika, mai-experience niya rito," said Santos. ."Aasarin ka kasi magaling ka, kailangan mag-ready ka run. Kailangan yung pasensiya mo mahaba."
McCullough's case is no different as great imports in the past went through the same phase and came out as even better players.
"Ganun talaga naman ang lahat ng mga import. Minsan nagugulat sila kapag dito sila naglaro. Pero ganoon ang Philippine basketball, e," stressed the veteran forward.
"Natural yun, pag magaling ka. Kaya huwag kang mapipikon."
But there's no doubt, McCullough, especially if focus, can bring wonders to San Miguel's bid of contending for the championship after a slow start.
"Malaki ang naitutulong niya sa offense at defense namin," admitted Santos, the 2013 league MVP. "Tingin ko kapag nakabisado pa niya at na-master pa niya yung galawan namin bawat isa, at tsaka yung larong Filipino, maraming mahihirapan sa amin." (RG)
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