Two key pieces in Strong Group Athletics-Philippines’ quest for back-to-back titles in the 44th William Jones Cup have expressed their intent to join the upcoming PBA Rookie Draft.
During a media availability ahead of the Jones Cup — which runs from July 12 to 20 in Taiwan — veteran playmaker Jason Brickman and versatile forward Derrick “DJ” Fenner shared their strong desire to finally enter the PBA, ending years of speculation about their eligibility and intentions.
Brickman, a 33-year-old point guard currently suiting up for the Abra Weavers in the MPBL, originally planned to enter the PBA Draft in 2021. However, he opted to sign with the Kaohsiung Aquas of Taiwan’s T1 League instead, where he won a championship, earned Best Import honors, and secured two First Team selections.
Now, the fourth NCAA Division I men’s player in history to reach 1,000 assists is looking to bring his game to Philippine soil and close out his storied basketball journey in front of a local crowd.
“I’ve been playing with Abra in the MPBL and I was planning to enter this year’s PBA Draft, so we’ll see how everything happens, but I hope to enter this year’s PBA Draft,” Brickman told reporters Wednesday afternoon at the College of Saint Benilde Gym.
“I’m gonna see what happens after this tournament. But obviously I wanna play here in the Philippines. I’m open to any opportunity after this,” he added.
Fenner, on the other hand, is eager to embrace his Filipino roots and hopes for the opportunity to build a long-term career in the Philippines.
Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Fenner traces his Filipino heritage to his grandparents — his grandfather hailing from Malabon City and his grandmother born in Rizal province.
Though still weighing the decision to officially enter the draft, the 6-foot-6 guard spoke candidly about his deep emotional connection to the Philippines and his vision of making it home.
“I’m really hoping that the Philippines holds the future for me and my family where it’s not just 10 days in the summer. I’m really grateful to be here and being half-Filipino, being able to see family out here, and being able to reunite with my teammates here is an amazing feeling,” said Fenner.
“It’s still something we’re pondering. I’m really just going by where God takes me and my family. I pray that He guides me and my family and leads us to the right place. I really do see a future here,” he continued.
Jones Cup Glory Comes First
Before fully focusing on the next chapter of their careers, Brickman and Fenner remain locked in on helping head coach Charles Tiu and the rest of Strong Group Athletics achieve a historic feat — becoming the first Philippine squad to win back-to-back Jones Cup titles.
In the tournament’s 44-year history, no Philippine team has managed to claim consecutive championships, with seven past contenders falling short.
For Brickman, helping his long-time friend and mentor Charles Tiu secure this elusive achievement is a top priority — even if it means shouldering extra responsibility in the absence of veteran guard Kiefer Ravena, who is expected to miss the first two games due to personal commitments.
“I think we look really good, we have a lot of talented players on our team. We’re excited for this tournament, we just have to get our chemistry together, work on our defense, and we’re looking forward to defending our title,” said the 6-foot court general.
“I think the other guys have to step up and make plays. Kiefer’s obviously a great player, but the other guys just have to step up and run the point. Everyone else just has to chip in,” he added.
Meanwhile, Fenner is anticipating a tough road to the title, particularly from host nation Chinese Taipei — the 2023 runner-up and a fierce rival.
In last year’s championship run, SGA overcame a hostile crowd and questionable officiating to edge out Chinese Taipei in an intense overtime thriller.
That victory added Strong Group to the elite list of Jones Cup champions from the Philippines, joining Northern Cement (1982), San Miguel (1985), the Centennial Team (1998), Gilas Pilipinas (2012), and Mighty Sports (2016 and 2019).
“We’re really looking forward to playing them again. We think they’re definitely gonna come at us right at tipoff. I think we need to be prepared to go back at them. I know they’re still thinking the loss last year when they almost had it, but we kind of stole it from them at their place,” Fenner concluded.
“I definitely think it’s important for us to be together through the whole game, through the ups and downs, so we can conquer that first game.”
