Arizona Reid to return next conference for San Miguel Beermen

MANILA, Philippines – Two-time PBA Best Import winner Arizona Reid says he is returning next conference, the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup, to reinforce the San Miguel Beermen as they defend their championship.

Reid, who made his debut with San Miguel in the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup after playing previously for Rain or Shine, told Rappler he’s “500 percent sure” of making a PBA appearance for a sixth conference on Friday, March 11.

Reid has played 74 career games in the league, per pba-online.net, with averages of 29.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists a contest. 

In his latest stint – last season’s Governors’ Cup – he led the Beermen to their 21st franchise championship which was highlighted by a 4-0 sweep of the Alaska Aces in the finals.

Reid previously said that the last conference would be his last before he retires from the PBA, but did leave the door open for a comeback if he would be asked by Beermen team owner Ramon Ang to return.

“A lot goes into play,” said Reid about his decision to make go for another round in the league on Friday, which was also his 30th birthday. 

“San Miguel wants me to come back; thinks it’s great decision for me to come back. It’s going to be hard, especially with the team they have, to turn down to come back and not retire. I’m coming back for sure.

“They’re a good team. I can’t sit and say they’re better now or before. They’re a good team. They’re still a powerhouse.

Reid said that one reason he considered retirement at the end of last season was due to his physical shape.

“It’s tough man. Your body, a lot of stuff go into factor. It just depends on how you feel. At that time when I made that statement, my body was drained. It’s very difficult. You know how it is. I’m an import. The expectations are so high for me, but I like the pressure.”

Reid actually played for the Philippine Aguilas in the Asean Basketball League after last PBA season and admits he feels good physically as he counts down the days before returning to San Miguel.

“How I look?” was his response to the question about his shape. “I’m good,” added the import, who looks even leaner than he did last season.

“I work out every day. I’m ready. I’m always ready. I’m a professional. At the end of the day, that’s my job – to keep my body nice and tight.”

With regards to his time in the ABL, Reid said: “ABL, it was an experience. Not an experience I’d do again, but I was thankful for the opportunity. It was a little rocky road, but I’m a professional – I take the good with the bad.”

The Beermen have clearly been the most dominant PBA team over the last two seasons. They’ve won 3 of the last 4 titles, and can win another one this Commissioner’s Cup thanks to the team’s impressive import, Tyler Wilkerson.

The 6-foot-8 forward from Marshall University is averaging 35.2 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 assists after 5 games with San Miguel going 3-2 during that span.

“Tyler is very tough. For me, when I saw him, I started laughing, because we’re very similar,” said Reid, who like Wilkerson, can spread the floor for local big man and two-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo.

“He’s a taller, more athletic version of me, I think. Very good player. Great fit for San Miguel. Right now, he has the boys playing well.”

Reid thinks they’re similar, but when asked who would win in a game of one-on-one, he answered with confidence: “Of course me. Nobody can beat me one-on-one.” – Rappler.com