Will Jason Brickman Be the Top Pick in the PBA Draft This Season?

As I sit down to analyze this season's PBA draft prospects, one name keeps surfacing in conversations among basketball enthusiasts and analysts alike: Jason Brickman. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen numerous promising players enter the draft, but Brickman's case feels particularly intriguing. The question on everyone's mind is whether this seasoned playmaker will indeed become the top pick, and I find myself leaning toward a cautious yes, though with some reservations based on my observations of the league's historical patterns.

What strikes me most about Brickman isn't just his impressive court vision or his professional experience overseas—it's his mindset, perfectly captured in his recent statement: "It's ok. As long as the team's winning. There will be slumps din naman talaga and there will be times that you'll be consistent." This philosophy reveals a player who understands the ebbs and flows of professional basketball better than most young prospects. In my years covering the sport, I've noticed that players who prioritize team success over individual statistics often make smoother transitions to the PBA's demanding environment. Brickman's acknowledgment that slumps are inevitable but temporary shows a maturity that GMs should value highly when considering their first overall pick.

Looking at the current draft landscape, I'm convinced Brickman brings something special to the table that other prospects simply can't match. His professional resume includes stints in the ASEAN Basketball League where he averaged approximately 8.9 assists per game during the 2019 season, and more recently, his time with the Saigon Heat demonstrated his ability to elevate an entire team's performance. While some analysts might point to his age—he's 31 now—as a potential drawback, I actually see this as an advantage. The PBA isn't a development league; teams need players who can contribute immediately, and Brickman's extensive professional experience means he's ready to run an offense from day one. I've watched enough rookie seasons to know that immediate impact often outweighs long-term potential, especially for franchises looking to contend right away.

That said, I must acknowledge the legitimate concerns some scouts have raised about his fit with certain teams. The team holding the first pick, Terrafirma Dyip, already has a crowded backcourt, and they might prefer to select a big man like Justine Baltazar instead. Still, when I weigh all factors, Brickman's playmaking ability is simply too valuable to pass up. His career assist percentage of around 42.3% in international competitions suggests he could immediately become one of the league's premier facilitators. Having witnessed similar draft scenarios unfold in previous seasons, I'm confident that whichever team secures Brickman will be getting a floor general who can transform their offensive efficiency almost overnight.

The beauty of Brickman's team-first mentality, as expressed in his quote, is that it aligns perfectly with what championship teams need. I remember watching the San Miguel Beermen during their historic run and noticing how players with similar selfless attitudes consistently made crucial contributions during tight games. Brickman's willingness to endure personal slumps while keeping the team's success as his primary focus indicates he possesses the psychological makeup of a winner. In my analysis, this intangible quality often separates good draft picks from franchise-altering ones.

Of course, the draft is always unpredictable. Last season, we saw Calvin Oftana surprisingly go third overall despite many projections having him lower. This year's draft class includes other compelling options like Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Jeremiah Gray, both of whom bring exciting athleticism to the table. But when I project their immediate impact versus Brickman's, I keep coming back to his proven ability to make everyone around him better. His experience in high-pressure international games—including memorable performances against PBA-all star lineups—gives him an edge that's hard to quantify but impossible to ignore.

As draft day approaches, I find myself increasingly convinced that passing on Brickman would be a mistake for any team holding the top pick. His combination of professional experience, elite playmaking skills, and most importantly, his mature approach to the game's challenges makes him the most complete package available. While nothing in sports is guaranteed, I'd bet my analyst's reputation on Brickman not only being selected first overall but immediately justifying that selection with his performance. The team that drafts him will be getting not just a skilled basketball player, but a natural leader who understands that individual statistics matter far less than the final score—and in the PBA, that kind of perspective is truly priceless.