Meralco Selected Jason Brickman As 7th Overall Pick In The Draft

When everyone thought that the Meralco Bolts will not be able to land a blue-chip rookie at number 7 in the 2025 PBA Draft, one fell on their lap.

Jason Brickman, who was expected to be selected within the top four, slipped down in the Draft last 7 September at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall to the delight of the Bolts management. Picked ahead of him were Geo Chiu, Juan Gomez de Liano, Dalph Panopio, Chris Koon, LJay Gonzales and Yukien Andrada.

Brickman was absent from both the Draft Combine and the draft proper due to a prior commitment in Guam.

Despite that, the 33-year-old boasts one of the most impressive résumés among the field. He is one of only four NCAA Division I players to record 1,000 career assists.

His professional career has also taken him around the world, with stops in Russia, Germany, Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan. In his most recent stint with Kaohsiung, he was named the T1 League’s Most Valuable Import in 2022.

With a stacked backcourt featuring Chris Banchero, Aaron Black, Anjo Caram and Kurt Reyson, expect the Bolts to make some more moves in the coming days.

In the second round, the Bolts selected Vince Magbuhos, who corrently plays for the Quezon Huskers of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). The 6-foot-5 three-point shooter played college basketball for the Adamson Soaring Falcons of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

Former UE player Ethan Galang was select by the Bolts in the third round. He made his mark as a floor spreader and willing outside shooter. Following the end of his collegiate run, he spoke about improving his all-around game and targeting professional play. He has since seen action for Mindoro in the MPBL.

The Bolts picked the 6-foot-9 bruiser Ladis Lepalam in the fourth round. He did not have a stellar performance when he played with the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in the NCAA, but he could be a future project for the team. Jeff Comia was chose in the fifth round.

After letting Alvin Pasaol and Jolo Mendoza move to MPBL and losing Nelbert Torres in the free-agency, Brickman, Magbuhos, Galang and Lepalam would be a welcome replacement.