Jason Brickman is a 23 year old 181 cm point guard from San Antonio, Texas that is a rookie in Germany playing for medi Bayreuth. He started his basketball career at LIU Brooklyn (NCAA) in 2010 and played a total of 129 NCAA games. AS a senior he played 28 games averaging 11.5ppg, 3.3rpg, Assists-1(9.8apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 86.4%. He won the NEC tournament three times. Like Jared Jordan, he was the top assist man in the NCAA his last two years. He started his rookie season in Europe with : Dynamo Moscow (Russia-Superleague): Baltic League: 3 games: 2.0ppg, 3.3rpg, 6.7apg, 1.0spg; Russian Superleague: 8 games: 2.0ppg, 1.1rpg, 2.8apg. He was released in December 2014 and recently signed with German team medi Bayreuth and in his debut against the Telekom Baskets Bonn scored 10 points and dished out 11 assists helping the Bavarian team to victory. He spoke to German Hoops before his debut performance against Bonn.

 

Welcome to Germany Jason. You are coming from the freezing Russia to cold Germany. Is this kind of weather more appealing to you even if its still freezing compared to San Antonio?

Yes it is great to come to Germany where it is not as cold as Russia. I’m not a fan of really cold weather so I’m much happier being in Germany.

You are now a member of German Beko BBL medi Bayreuth. What do you know about the country Germany and the basketball here?

I don’t know too much about Germany, I have only been one other time a few years ago for a basketball trip that was a week long. I have heard the basketball here is great and there are some very good teams here.

How did the contact come about with German team media Bayreuth? There are always guards on the market.

My agent was working on getting me back on a team to finish this season and he thought it was a great opportunity to play for Bayreuth.

It was no secret that medi Bayreuth head coach Michael Koch was looking for a classic point guard. Do you feel pressure coming in as a rookie having to help the team right away?

I feel a little bit of pressure since it is midway through the season. But I just want to go and play as hard as I can and try to help this team win games.

You improved your assists stats each season at LIU Brooklyn (NCAA) Was passing always in your blood or did it come to you as a freshman at LIU Brooklyn (NCAA)?

I have had a good sense of passing and pretty good court vision since I was younger. But playing at LIU really helped me to be an even better passer. I played for a great coach and the perfect system so it was a fun experience.

You remind me of Marist standout guard Jared Jordan who has been a top passing point guard in Europe since years. Which point guard in the NBA was always your role model when it came to passing qualities?

I always loved watching Jason Kidd and Steve Nash. They are two point guards that are great passers and they know how to run the team. I try to model my game after Jason Kidd. I love the way he controls the game from the point guard position.

How often have you been compared to Jeremy Lin? How much of a role model is he for you?

I have not been compared much to Jeremy Lin. I enjoyed watching him get his opportunity and play great. I would love to get the same opportunity to show my skills.

You played 11 games for top Russian team Dynamo Moscow. You were the only American on the team. How difficult was it for you as a rookie coming to a foreign team and culture?

It was very difficult in Russia being the only American and having most of the team not speak English. I did not fit into their system there so it was tough.

You were a NEC Tournament Winner in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Which win was the sweetest for you?

All of them were sweet but I think winning the first year was great. We had an awesome year and it was a great experience playing UNC in the NCAA tournament.

You played for Jack Perri at LIU Brooklyn (NCAA). He said I have the best point guard in the country. How did he prepare you best for a professional basketball career best?

Coach Perri was the guy who recruited me to go to LIU. He pushed me to get better every day and he had so much confidence in me so it was easy to play for a coach that really trusts in me. He let me grow as a player each year and gave me more responsibility every year. He challenged me to try and strengthen my weaknesses.

You are only one of four players to record 1000 assists in NCAA history. You have dished the ball for points many many times. Is there one assist that you will always remember most?

There isn’t any assist that I have in mind being the best. I honestly don’t remember too many of them.

You played for a lesser known school LIU Brooklyn (NCAA) and against lesser competition. Do you think that played a very big role that you seemed to be off the radar for NBA teams?

I think some teams weren’t sure how I would do against better competition and bigger players. We didn’t get as much exposure as some of the bigger NCAA teams.

You could have a conversation with your new teammate Javon Mccrea who had great stats at Buffalo, but like you played in a lesser conference. How excited are you to be playing some pick and pop with him?

It was great to play with Javon today. He is a great player and he dominates the paint. I look forward to keep running the pick and rolls with him.

Where will the journey of the San Antonio Spurs end this season?

I hope the Spurs end with another championship.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was Forrest Gump.

 

Thanks Jason for the chat.