Bronx Native Chris McCullough has reinvigorated the basketball culture for the SMB Storm, as he wins the 2019 PBA Commissioners Cup. The SMB defeated TNT in game 6 with a final score of 102-92, after trailing the series 1-2 in their best of 7. The narrative for SMB this season has been RESILIENCE! They fought through adversity all season long, Thanks to the big support from Former NBA star Chris McCullough. He finished game 6 with 35 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks. McCullough has been nothing short of sensation for the SMB storm this season, guided them from a 7th seed playoff finish to a Championship. The SMB star averaged 30 points 19 rebs, 4.2 assists, and 2 blocks during the 6 game series. Securing this championship title solidifies McCullough as one of the top players in SMB Storm history. Since McCullough signed with SMB, he set his eyes on the prize of winning the PBA Commissioners Cup.

2019 PBA CHAMPS

Chris McCullough and Coach Leo Austria

McCullough was apart of the illustrious 2015 NBA draft class and was selected 29th overall by the Brooklyn Nets. Due to an ACL injury that came during his time at Syracuse University, McCullough played in 24 games for the Nets. In his rookie campaign McCullough averaged 5 points, 3 rebs, and 1 steal. During his NBA career McCullough spent time with the Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons. McCullough has his eyes set on making a comeback to the NBA, and with the PBA title under his belt, he’s looking to use that momentum going forward.

“Game six we got to come ready to play, be mentally locked in and get this win. Not let it go to game 7.”

— Chris McCullough

As the season concludes, SMB went out on a high note. Coach Leo Austria took some time to reflect on the long post-season. SMB has high hopes of defending their championship title next season, it will be a challenge without their star forward McCullough who is currently a free agent. Surprisingly enough, McCullough is hungry for the opportunity to pursue a career down in the Philippines if the NBA doesn’t come calling. Last year McCullough participated in training camp for the Detroit Piston. McCullough expresses his deep interests for returning to SMB. The fans and organization would love to see their American star return in the 2019-2020 season. As for Chris McCullough he will enjoy this title, as it’s his first on the international level.

“Hopefully I’ll be back in the NBA, if not, I’ll be back with SMB”

— Chris McCullough

Athlete: Chris McCullough (@briskuno)

Thanks: @pbaconnect, @sports5.ph, @smbeermen, @spin.ph

Photography by: Tristan Tamayo

This summer has been filled with endless opportunities that have injected new energy and life into me. But, what has truly inspired me is the opportunity that sports has provided for my life. I remember being a kid at 8 years old, running around in the park with my friends playing basketball, soccer, and football. I had my fair share of memories from sports. Coming from urban areas plagued by poverty, drugs, and gang violence; Sports is a gateway for the youth to escape their realities. I’m sharing an inner-narrative of “Sport Changes Everything. Sports gave me something to look forward to in my life and I always knew it would be my job to pay it forward to the next generation of youth. In Toronto we have a divine sports culture, with all due respect thanks to our loyal fans!

“Sports has given me a platform to inspire change in various communities. The littlest act of kindness can make the biggest difference”

— Hussein A. (Founder of TGQ Inc)

1. Tristan Thompson Basketball Skill Camp

Brampton Native Tristan Thompson & company hosted a free basketball clinic for the youth in Toronto. Each summer the 2016 NBA champion makes it a priority to do a community-based initiative. The one-day camp was comprised of skills development stations and team building exercises. Tristan Thompson then concluded camp with an intimate discussion about life skills and education. Campers all showed their appreciation for the hometown hero and they cheered and received pictures and autographs. Tristan Thompson is also the founder of the Amari Thompson Fund, which aims to support his brother along with thousand of kids suffering with epilepsy. Tristan has nurtured a lasting partnership with Epilepsy Toronto to host events that spread awareness about the disease. On August 1st Tristan Thompson hosted the Amari Thompson Soiree 2019 in Toronto.

“It’s all about having fun and learning something. I need you guys to have high energy and to lock in, build relationships, and take away one thing. ”

— Tristan Thompson (Clevland Cavs)

2. OVO Baksetball ‘19

This years OVO Fest kicks off with the annual OVO Basketball tournament sponsored by Nike. OVO Basketball has created a unique buzz north of the boarder, attracting the top pros, colleges and NBA stars. This year’s tournament is comprised of 6 teams: REPS UP, OVO/1LOVE, TOPSZN, MADE, BOUNCE, & C.I.A. that will battle for ultimate supremacy. In it’s 6th year OVO Basketball continues to bring the Toronto community together, from athletes, entertainers, figures, and more. It’s the perfect warm up before the Caribana festivities kick in. OVO Fest highlights the true essences of Toronto’s divine sports culture. Championship Friday brought over 2,500 people in attendance to watch a unique clash between OVO and M.A.D.E. NBA stars Stanley Johnson, Kelly Olynyk, Langston Galloway all suited up for OVO, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kenneth Fareid, and Nickiel Alexander-Walker were with M.A.D.E. The game went down to the wire but it was Stanley Johnson that made plays down the stretch to secure a 106-102 win. With the win OVO captures their 4th Championship. It’s only right that we celebrate championships all summer long!

*@Stanimal*

Raptors Forward Stanley Johnson suits up for OVO

Day 1

BOUNCE 124 TopSZN 106

MADE 110 C.I.A. 91

OVO 105 REPSUP 103

Day 2

TOPSZN 110 OVO 96

MADE 94 REPSUP 85

CIA 109 BOUNCE 108

Day 3

TOPSZN 101 MADE 94

OVO 114 BOUNCE 104

CIA 103 REPSUP 97

Day 4

MADE 121 CIA 102

OVO 112 TOPSZN 106

Day 5

3rd Place Game

REPSUP 109 TOPSZN 106

Championship Game

OVO 106 M.A.D.E. 102

*2019 Champions*

*OVO wins its 4th title at 6th annual OVO Basketball*

“It was great for our city to bring back the OVO tournament, it gives our community something to look forward to! ”

— Hussein A. (Founder of TGQ Inc.)

3. UNINTERRUPTED

LeBron James and partners launch their digital sports media network in Canada making it their first international expansion. LeBron James and Toronto Rapper Drake have developed an authentic relationship that made this expansion very organic. UNINTERRUPTED was launched back in 2015 founded by LeBron James & his childhood friend Maverick Carter. Their objective was to give athletes a platform to share stories with fans that goes beyond the arena; UNINTERRUPTED has bridged the gap for various athletes globally. UNINTERRUPTED Canada will serve as a digital hub for athlete-centric stories, docu-series, and more. According to the press release MLB player Marcus Stroman will have a series, along with NBA Champion Serge Ibaka who has his new fashion line in the works. Expanding into the Canadian market will allow for UNINTERRUPTED Canada to intersect culture, sports and media to Canada’s unique audience. Filmmaker Vinay Virmani will serve UNINTERRUPTED Canada as the Chief Content Officer, while Scott Moore will be the CEO.

*UNINTERRUPTED*

Canada becomes apart of the UNINTERRUPTED family!

“‘Im honoured to partner with LeBron to bring UNINTERRUPTED to Canada, a country that continuously supports innovation and creativity”

— Drake

Thanks: @ovobasketball, @klutchsports, @realtristan13, @uninterrupted , @tgq.inc

Photography by: @ovobasketball , @georgepimentel1,

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Thrilla N' Manila | Chris McCullough Wins PBA Commisioners Cup Title / August 20, 2019 by Hussein Abdullahi

TGQ 6IX Tour | Sport Changes Everything / August 7, 2019 by Hussein Abdullahi