Believe in the Reid

AZ be like "so many stars to pass to!"
(Photo credits to Sports5)

Two (and a half) conferences previously played. Two PBA Best Import Awards. Zero titles.

This is what drives the San Miguel Beermen's 6"5 import, Arizona Reid, in the ongoing PBA Governor's Cup wherein his team is tied with the Alaska Aces on top with a 7 wins and 2 losses record.

This is why he came back, wearing different threads but still sporting the same "attack first" mentality.

Nine games played and Reid has not only found a way to lead the Beermen with averages of 41 mpg, 27 ppg, 10 rpg, 4 apg, but has also managed to find the right balance and chemistry with his superstar teammates-- two of which are legitimate PBA MVPs (Arwind Santos and Junemar Fajardo). It's never easy for a go-to-guy to be asked to defer to teammates. It's never easy to convince maybe four or five go-to-guys to share the ball and make the little plays that win games. Reid, although a superstar talent and other-worldly, is blue collar through and through.

He scores. He rebounds. He defends (a little). He passes. He calls out guys for lazy plays, but is also the first one to bat for them Pinoy resbak style.

And that's why guys love to play with him.

In another world, where money isn't an issue, Reid would've probably stayed with the Elastopainters for life. He looks the part. He plays the part. He looks like a loyal, lifer kind of guy.

But what are the Elastopainters' chances of really winning a title compared to San Miguel's?

Beau Belga is no Fajardo. Gabe Norwood, on his best day, is still a few rebounding skills/ IQ short of Arwind Santos.

And Jonathan Uyloan is no Chris Ross.

Should the PBA Governor's Cup end today, the Beermen would square off against the Aces in a rematch of this year's Philippine Cup Finals. The Beermen barely won that series, thanks to a Herculean performance from former PBA MVP Santos. Now?

They might just have the extra edge.. from A to Z.