AZ Reid vows to bounce back for SMB next conference

San Miguel Beer import Arizona Reid looks on. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net.

Just a couple of days ago, AZ Reid was in his Florida home taking in the beach and sipping some beer. The following day, he was already in sweltering Manila practicing with his old team San Miguel.

On Sunday, Reid was playing in a playoff game for the Beermen, who were fighting for survival.

Reid finished with game-highs 25 points, but also needed the same number of attempts.

“I knew what it was, I knew I wasn’t ready, my legs were not there, but it’s life,” Reid, who did grab 17 rebounds, also a game-high, said at Smart Araneta Coliseum after San Miguel got booted out by Rain or Shine in Game 4 of their best-of-five semifinals series.

“I was at home, at the beach, drinking Heineken and I got a call from my agent,” said Reid, who replaced Tyler Wilkerson.

The Beermen got embarrassed by the Elasto Painters, 124-99, for their worst playoff loss in five years.

Despite the sudden arrival and quick exit, Reid vowed he would be better come the Governors’ Cup which will start in July.

“It’s motivation for me for the third conference, come back better and sharper, and be in better shape,” Reid, who will also suit up for San Miguel in the Governors’ Cup, said. “I’ll be ready for the third conference for sure.”

Reid, who led the Beermen to a championship in the third conference last season, admitted he wasn’t in his best shape but he doesn’t see any reason to get angry with anyone, and he’s always ready to help San Miguel in any way possible.

He also congratulated his former team for a job well done.

“I had the shots I wanted, the shots I normally make, but I ain’t got no legs,” Reid said. “I’m not mad at nobody, it is what it is, I’m here to help my team. Congrats to Rain or Shine, they played well.”