The season didn’t end the way Chris McCullough hoped; a torn ACL in January finished his freshman season after just sixteen games. The season had its ups and downs, though in those up periods, it was easy to see why many considered McCullough to be Syracuse’s next star player.
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Through his first eight college games, the 6’10, 220 pound McCullough averaged 14 points, on 50 percent shooting, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks per game. His first college game ended with a double-double, and in just his fourth game, McCullough scored 20 points, on 7 of 12 from the field, grabbed 9 rebounds, and blocked 3 shots against a good Iowa team.
McCullough struggled some from mid-December until his injury, but that’s not a big surprise for a freshman; it’s rare to find a freshman who doesn’t go through a rough patch in their first season.
Still, he remained in the starting lineup, and even if his offense wasn’t clicking, he gave the Orange a solid defensive presence. Then came the injury; a torn ACL against Florida State in early January. McCullough would miss the rest of the season after surgery to repair it.
Though the season didn’t end the way he wanted it to, McCullough is right where he wants to be, ready to hear his name called in the NBA Draft later this month. He finished his career at Syracuse averaging 9 points, 7 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game.
As he continues to work his way back after the surgery, McCullough is able to appreciate how much he was able to take from his one year at Syracuse.
“It may have been just for one season, but I was able to learn a lot from Coach Boeheim and the rest of the coaching staff,” said McCullough. “The biggest thing I took away from them is that you need to bring your best every day, whether it’s on the court, or in class. That’s how you succeed.”
With his freshman season limited to just sixteen games, it’s understandable why McCullough may choose to go pro now instead of risk another injury, but the decision wasn’t that easy for him. “The decision to turn pro was a tough one for me,” said McCullough. “After talking to my family, we decided that it was an opportunity I couldn’t let pass.”
McCullough showed flashes of the player he could be in those sixteen games, though he is capable of much more. Still, McCullough knows some areas where he can make an impact sooner rather than later. “I think my ability to defend with my length, and run the floor, will translate to the NBA,” McCullough said. “Also, I can give a team help with rebounding and scoring when needed.”
McCullough is still working to get back to 100 percent from his injury, though his rehab is going very well and is on schedule, he knows he has a lot of work to do be ready for the next level. “Once I get back into game shape, I want to work on all aspects of my game to be the best player I can,” said McCullough, who is rehabbing at the renowned Hospital for Special Surgery. “The most important things is getting back to 100 percent and taking it from there.”
Though unable to participate in drills or the five-on-five, McCullough was invited to, and took part in, the NBA Combine in Chicago last month. Even without taking part in it all, McCullough got a lot out of the experience. “It was great being there and being among these players,” McCullough said. “I’m enjoying the process, and learning a lot as I go through each step.”
McCullough, went through medical testing, and also interviewed with thirteen teams while in Chicago, including Miami, Houston, Milwaukee, Golden State, Memphis, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Boston, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
There’s no timetable yet for McCullough’s return to the court, and the team that picks him will have a big say in that, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be ready to give all he has. “Wherever I go, I just want to come in, work hard, and let the team handle how my rehab will continue and when I can play,” said McCullough.
No matter how the draft plays out, McCullough knows that he has a lot to offer any team that picks him. “I know I didn’t get to play a lot in college, but I’m going to work hard at getting healthy, and then work as hard to be the best player I can for my team.”
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