AFTER seeing first-hand what Rain or Shine looked like with import Arizona Reid in the fold, Air21 coach Franz Pumaren readily tagged the E-Painters as one of the teams to watch out for in the PBA Governors Cup.
“They’ve (Elasto Painters) got the talent. They are a complete team at magaling pa rin si Arizona,” Pumaren told Spin.ph after the Express absorbed an 86-95 loss to Rain or Shine on Sunday in an out-of-town tune-up match in Tarlac City.
The 6-5 Reid, the league's Best Import during his first tour of duty with Rain or Shine in the 2011 Governors Cup, dominated the Express with an array of post moves and perimeter shooting on the way to finishing with 37 points and 12 rebounds in 30 minutes of play.
“Arizona can play inside. He could post up on guys his size. He’s got a nice touch from the outside, too,” he added.
Air21 was without a reinforcement in the match as returning import Zach Graham is not expected to arrive until Saturday. Rain or Shine, on the other hand, were without Gilas Pilipinas stalwarts Jeff Chan and Gabe Norwood.
Pumaren, who will be tasked to handle the PBA All-Star Selection on Wednesday in an exhibition match against Gilas Pilipinas, said Air21's immediate goal is to get off to a strong start since the Governors Cup format will have each team playing only nine elimination-round games.
The Express placed eighth in the Philippine Cup and Commissioner’s Cup after failing to get past the quarterfinals. Air21 owns an 11-19 win-loss record this season, which more than doubled the five won games the Express registered in all of the 2012 season.
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