NEW TAIPEI CITY, Taiwan – He may not have the shooting touch of fellow Fil-American Jimmy Alapag, but Philippine representative Mighty Sports Apparels guard Jason Alexander Brickman is definitely PBA material.
He’s not only quick and daring but also possesses an excellent basketball IQ (intelligence quotient).
Watching him weave through taller and heftier defenders before flicking the ball to an open teammate or making a bounce pass is like watching a beauty pageant –so stimulating and entertaining.
And he does it each time he sees an opening – even the slightest one.
The 5-foot-9 Brickman proved his mettle against Taiwan’s best in the team’s hard-earned 89-81 win in the William Jones Cup here last Sunday.
Though the 24-year-old Brickman failed to score in two times he attempted, he orchestrated the team’s offense with aplomb something that earned him glowing words from Mighty Sports coach Bo Perasol.
“Jason is definitely PBA-ready. He’s got the body strength for it and the skills to deliver the goods the team needs,” said Perasol. “He can easily go up against the veteran PBA playmakers.”
While he was scoreless, Brickman finished with five assists, two steals and five boards in 31 minutes of play.
But that was just the glimpse of his precocious talent as he played almost impeccably the following day that left the Korean defenders off-guard most of the time.
His creative plays, along with retired PBA player TY Tang (former guard of Rain or Shine), helped the team score a massive 86-65 win over the fancied Korean side Monday night.
In a little over 27 minutes of action, he produced five points, including a booming triple that highlighted the team’s decisive second quarter breakaway. He also had seven boards, three steals and an assist.
Perasol said Brickman could be even more dangerous in the team’s next assignments.
“He’s now have the clear view of the team, he already knows the strength of his teammates so watch out for him,” said Perasol.
Actually, Brickman is already a winner having helped the Malaysian team clinch the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) crown early this year.
Brickman is grateful for Mighty Sports management for allowing him to represent the country and show the stuff he’s made off as he is hoping to play in the PBA someday.
With the way he’s playing, Brickman is certainly an asset to any team in the PBA.
In fact, he was considered by ESPN analyst Jay Bilas as one of the best passers.
“He really understands angles very well, and he does a really nice job of managing the game. An excellent passer,” said Bilas.
His quiet demeanour inside and outside the court and his size belie the fact that he’s one tough guy. (REY LACHICA)
