Vanguardia believes Brickman will be an asset for any PBA team

FILE – Alab Pilipinas guard Jason Brickman. ABL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Jason Brickman’s former coach Ariel Vanguardia has lofty expectations for the savvy passer as he tries to make it to the PBA.

Vanguardia, who had Brickman run the point with the Westports Malaysia Dragons in the ASEAN Basketball League, said the 29-year-old guard has similar qualities to NBA superstars Jason Kidd and Tony Parker.

“His impact to any team who drafts him will be like a Jason Kidd or a Tony Parker. He’s a born leader, a calming presence, and a true point guard armed with his court vision and pinpoint passing,” said Vanguardia as per the PBA’s official website.

Brickman, who leads the early applicants for the 2021 PBA Draft,  certainly has the passing credentials as he joins Bobby Hurley, Chris Corchiani, and Ed Cota as the only four players to dish out at least 1,000 assists in NCAA Division 1 history.

Brickman led the United States in assists-per-game twice during his collegiate career with Long Island University-Brooklyn. He also played for Dynamo Moscow and Medi Bayreuth in Europe after his university years.

The 6-foot playmaker then plied his trade in the ABL with the Dragons, Mono Vampire, Hi-Tech Bangkok City, and San Miguel Alab Pilipinas.

“He is one of only a few Filipinos who had played in Europe, he’s really good,” said Vanguardia.

Brickman is also more than a passer as he’s dependable to take those shots, hitting a 45 percent shooting mark for Alab in the ABL for an average of 8.9 points along 9.1 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals.

“Wherever he lands, he will certainly make things easier for his teammates,” said Vanguardia.