Reid’s goal: play like Rodman

Former Gaffney star AZ Reid is averaging about 2 points a game for High Point. Ledger Sports Editor

Want to know how much former Gaffney all-state player AZ Reid craves playing time for High Point University?

The nearly point-a-minute scorer for the Indians is intent on becoming the Panthers’ defensive stopper.

“I’m playing harder defensively,” Reid said. “Up here I’m the defensive stopper. I’m playing like Dennis Rodman. I used to do a lot of scoring, but I’m the defensive stopper. I’ll do anything to help the team.”

Reid, who along with Sidney Rice was the heart and soul of the Indians during their championship run, said the transition to college has been anything but seamless both on and off the court.

“It’s just basically school and basketball,” he said. “There isn’t a lot of time for anything else. It’s been hard because everything is faster and harder. The boys are smarter.”

And older.

Reid, who is playing both forward positions for the Panthers, says it’s difficult matching up against mature, bulky 21 and 22 year olds.

“They are stronger than me, but I’m working hard,” he said.

The Panthers improved to 7-8 and 2-0 in the Big South Conference with a win Saturday over Birmingham Southern. In five minutes of play, Reid blocked a shot and grabbed a rebound.

For the season, Reid is averaging about two points and two rebounds in seven minutes of play. He’s shooting 40 percent from the field and has blocked four shots and has seven steals.

Reid has logged the most minutes of any Panther freshman. But he’d like to play even more.

“The hardest thing right now is sitting,” he said. “But I know that I have to wait my time. When I get on the court I don’t worry about scoring. I just hustle.”

The one thing Reid has no complaint about is his coaches and their player-friendly approach.

“I love my coaches here,” he said. “I get along great with them. It’s just like a big family here.”

Although Reid is focused on his own games, he’s not surprised about the success of the Indians.

“I’m so happy for them,” he said. “People didn’t think they’d be doing good. But I worked out with Donald (Sims) over the summer and I knew he’d have a big year.”