SMB to tap ex-Rain or Shine import AZ Reid
Reigning Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beer is off to a sluggish start in the PBA Commissioner's Cup and an import change could help the Beermen turn their fortunes around.
Arizona Reid, a two-time pro league Best Import awardee with Rain or Shine, is set to arrive on Manila by Monday as he takes over the spot of current San Miguel Beer reinforcement Ronald Roberts Jr.
A highly-placed source bared on Thursday afternoon that the 6-foot-4 Reid will most likely see action on Tuesday when the Beermen try to snap a three-game losing skid in the mid-season conference against the Alaska Aces.
“Positive na ‘yun,” said the source, who is privy to the development but spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The 6-foot-8 Roberts proved to be a solid import for the Beermen, piling up game-averages of 22.67 points, 17.67 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, 1.0 assist, and 1.0 steal, but still failed to help San Miguel Beer claim a victory in its first three outings, even absorbing a pair of shocking losses from expansion clubs Kia 78-88 last Feb. 4 and Blackwater 77-80 last Wednesday.
Although Roberts is making his presence felt in nearly 41 minutes of play, the Beermen are apparently failing to maximize the force of reigning league MVP June Mar Fajardo, who even sat out the entire fourth quarter in their loss to the Elite, with the Gilas Pilipinas center coming up with just five markers on nine attempts in 18 minutes of play.
“Kaagaw niya nu’ng import (Roberts) si June Mar sa pwesto kaya hindi sila pinagsasabay. Namimili tuloy si coach Leo (Austria) kung sino kay June Mar o Arwind (Santos) ang isasabay para mag-complement sa laro niya,” added the source.
Now enter Reid into the picture.
Although he’s nearly four inches smaller than Roberts, the dreadlocked import has been a steady force when he suited up for the Elasto Painters, averaging 29.1 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 steals while helping them make it to Governors' Cup finals last season, only to lose to eventual Grand Slam champion San Mig Super Coffee (now known as Purefoods Star) in five games.
“Pwede naman maglaro si Reid ng tres (small forward). Kaya malamang makakapagsabay na rin sa loob sina June Mar at Arwind. Magagamit na ni coach Leo nang husto ‘yung dalawa,” added the source.
Reid’s Filipino agent, Sheryl Reyes, has secured his client’s official release from Rain or Shine management earlier this week, giving the former High Point Panther a chance to play with any ballclub.
