Strong Group taps Brickman

Jason Brickman is set to play for a Filipino club when he joins Strong Group Athletics in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship from 24 January to 2 February in Dubai.

The club made the announcement on Wednesday, saying that Brickman has what it takes to lead the powerhouse squad back to the title.

Since playing for the San Miguel-Alab Pilipinas in the Asean Basketball League in 2019, the 33-year-old Brickman has been dreaming of playing in the country.

He tried joining the Philippine Basketball Association Rookie Draft in 2021, but failed to complete his eligibility documents, prompting him to pack his bags for Taiwan where he played for the Kaohsiung Aquas in the T1 League.

At Strong Group, Brickman will be reunited with head coach Charles Tiu, who mentored him during his stint with Mighty Sports in the prestigious interclub tourney from 2016 to 2020.

“Thrilled to be working with him again,” said Tiu, referring to the six-footer playmaker who is regarded as an elite passer with a strong sense of leadership.

“I’ve won two championships with him and you don’t get a purer point guard than him.”

Brickman is just one of the quality players that Strong Group hired in a bid to regain the Dubai title.

Also in the roster are College of Saint Benilde stars Justine Sanchez, Tony Ynot and National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 100 Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag as well as Korea-based swingmen Rhenz Abando and Dave Ildefonso.