Jason Brickman is very much looking forward to taking on the ‘new challenge’ of playing an emerging basketball discipline in the PBA 3×3.
The 29-year-old floor general may not have made it in this year’s PBA Rookie Draft but he will still get to be part of Asia’s pioneering pro league through the newly-founded league, where he will suit up for Meralco.
“It’s gonna be a little bit of an adjustment, but I’m excited about this new challenge.” he told 2OT, presented by SMART Saturday.
Brickman doesn’t have any 3×3 experience prior to this upcoming stint of his, although the halfcourt game isn’t something foreign to him since he had played as much with his brothers and friends while growing up.
“I played a lot of 3-on-3 growing up when I was younger so I have experienced playing it,” said the seven-year pro out of Long Island University.
But then, Brickman is fully aware of how different 3×3 basketball is as compared to the traditional three-a-side games. The 6-foot Fil-American admitted that it may take some for him to adjust, but he’s up for it.
“It’s gonna be a much different game playing three-on-three. It’s gonna take a lot of adjustments to get used to — being in the halfcourt, only playing with two other teammates at a time,” he said.
“It’s obviously a much different game than the five-on-five where you’re going up and down and playing so it’s something I gotta get used to but I’m excited about it.“
And once he gets acclimatized, Brickman, who’s known more as a pass-first guard, is eager to showcase his scoring abilities as well.
“Playing in three-on-three, you’re gonna have a lot more space to work and I think it’s gonna be more of a scoring game. I think you’re gonna see me looking more to score than to pass,” said one of US NCAA’s all-time assists leaders.
“But when I do the pick-and-roll and guys are open, I’ll pass first in those situations. But I’m gonna look to break down the defense and get to the paint and make the right decision. I’m excited to show my scoring abilities.”
