Jason Brickman's PBA Draft Journey: What to Expect for Aspiring Players
The scent of sweat and polished courtwood always takes me back to my first professional game—that electric moment when you realize you're no longer playing for school pride or personal glory, but for something bigger. I remember watching Jason Brickman during his PBA draft journey last season, thinking how different the path looks from the inside versus what aspiring players see from the stands. There's this misconception that getting drafted means instant stardom, but Brickman's approach taught me something far more valuable about surviving the rollercoaster of professional basketball.
I was covering the eliminations when Brickman had what the press called a "quiet night"—just 4 points and 3 assists in 22 minutes against Ginebra. The media scrum afterward was expecting frustration, but what he said has stuck with me ever since. "It's ok. As long as the team's winning," he told us with that calm demeanor that's become his trademark. "There will be slumps din naman talaga and there will be times that you'll be consistent." That single quote captures what separates temporary talents from career players. See, most rookies come in thinking they need to average 20 points to prove their worth, but Brickman understood something crucial—the PBA isn't about individual stats, it's about fitting into a system.
During his draft year, I tracked Brickman's transition from the ASEAN Basketball League to the PBA, and the adjustment was sharper than people realize. His 3-point percentage dipped from 38% to 29% in his first conference, yet his playing time actually increased. Why? Because coaches value players who contribute beyond the box score. I've seen dozens of talented point guards come through the draft—flashy scorers who put up big numbers in the D-League but never last in the PBA because they don't understand this fundamental truth. Brickman's journey demonstrates that sometimes the most valuable thing you can do is make the right pass, set the proper screen, or simply not force a bad shot when the offense is struggling.
What many don't realize about Jason Brickman's PBA draft journey is how intentional his development has been. I spoke with his former coach at LIU Brooklyn, and he mentioned Brickman would spend hours watching film not of his own highlights, but of his defensive rotations. That's the kind of detail-oriented approach that builds careers. In my own playing days at the collegiate level, I wish I'd understood this earlier—I was too focused on scoring averages while the players who lasted in the pros were those who mastered the invisible skills.
The financial reality makes this even more critical. A PBA rookie's salary starts around ₱150,000 monthly—respectable but not life-changing when you consider the average career lasts just 4-5 years. Players who approach the game like Brickman, with team success as the priority, tend to have longer careers and ultimately earn more through extensions and endorsements. I've seen players with twice Brickman's natural talent flame out because they couldn't handle the mental aspect—the benchings, the role changes, the criticism from fans who only see the stat sheet.
There's a particular game I'll never forget—Brickman's fourth game with Blackwater where he played just 18 minutes but finished with a +15 plus-minus, the highest on the team that night. The casual fans probably thought he had a quiet game, but anyone who understands basketball knew he was instrumental to their comeback victory. That's the lesson for aspiring players: your value isn't always measured in points and rebounds. The PBA has changed since I first started covering it a decade ago—the game is faster, the players are more athletic, but this fundamental truth remains unchanged.
What to expect for aspiring players watching Jason Brickman's path? Prepare for inconsistency, understand that slumps are inevitable, and most importantly, embrace that your personal success is tied to the team's performance. I'm convinced this mindset is why Brickman has managed to carve out a role while more highly-touted draft classmates have already washed out. The PBA isn't about being the star every night—it's about finding ways to help your team win, even when your shot isn't falling. That's the real draft lesson they don't teach you in basketball clinics, and it's why Brickman's journey matters far beyond his individual statistics.
