After San Miguel Beer chalked up its first win Tuesday over Rain or Shine, Beermen head coach Leo Austria bared how difficult it was for import Arizona Reid to play through pain during the early stages of the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Austria said Reid suffered from diarrhea and acute gastroenteritis a week before the conference fired off, which is why the reinforcement had a hard time reaching his top form.
Reid averaged only 16 points and 9 rebounds on 10-for-31 overall field goal shooting in his first two games which the Beermen both dropped, but finally overcame a rocky start when the Beermen trounced the Elasto Painters, 104-91.
The prolific scorer fired 36 points and was relentless in attacking the basket, drawing 11 free throw attempts. He added 11 rebounds and 6 assists while shooting close to 50 percent.
Reid admitted later on that while he is still not a hundred percent, is trying to wile his team in whatever way possible.
“It is what it is. I have to play through it. Is it tough? Is it difficult? Yes. It is very difficult. But that’s my job. I have to play basketball and try to do the best I can,” he said.
“I have to be me. If I’m not me, why should I be here? If I am trying to be somebody else, I am not going to be successful because that is not who I am.”
The two-time PBA Best Import added he is very comfortable playing for the Beermen as he is surrounded by talent, and it would only take a matter of time before the squad gets back to the upper half of the team standings.
“I love having these guys. You give me these kind of weapons and have my game then we are tough to beat. We have to be sharp. I was the AZ everybody wants to see in the third conference,” he shared.
Reid even deflected credit, and said all the numbers don’t matter as he is only focused on winning.
“But I won’t say I’m back or I’m the man. It’s just one game at a time. I am just thankful for the win and we have to keep building on it. I just want to win. That is the name of the game. Everybody knows I can score, rebound, do this and do that but does everybody know I can win? That is the biggest question,” he shared.
It would definitely be a tough road for the 1-2 Beermen, but as frustrated as he is so far, Reid maintained that his top concern is lifting his team back to the top.
“I’ve been frustrated because I know what I can do but my body won’t let me do it. I know I am not a hundred percent but we have to keep working and keep focused. That’s all I can do.”
