As I was researching the latest basketball news this morning, I stumbled upon something that really caught my attention - the journey of Filipino-American players Jason Brickman and DJ Fenner through Strong Group-Pilipinas as they prepare for the PBA Season 50 Draft. It got me thinking about how basketball careers can take players through unexpected paths, and that's when I remembered how many people actually search for information about Colorado NBA teams and players, often not realizing the state's complex relationship with professional basketball. Let me tell you, after covering basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen countless players navigate these unique career transitions, and what Brickman and Fenner are attempting is particularly fascinating.
The case of these two players represents something I've noticed becoming more common in recent years - athletes using international exposure as a springboard to domestic leagues. Brickman, who's already made waves in the ASEAN Basketball League with his incredible playmaking skills, and Fenner, who's been developing his game across various international leagues, are both taking what I consider to be a smart approach. They're joining Strong Group-Pilipinas, which gives them visibility in the Asian market while simultaneously putting them in front of PBA scouts. What really stands out to me is their timing - aiming for the PBA's 50th season draft, which is historically significant for the league. I've always believed that understanding when to make your move is just as important as how you play, and these two seem to have calculated this perfectly.
Now, here's where it connects to something I've researched extensively - the curious case of Colorado NBA teams and players. You know, I've lost count of how many times people have asked me why Colorado doesn't have its own NBA team despite being such a sports-loving state. The truth is, while Colorado doesn't host an NBA franchise, it has produced and been home to numerous NBA players throughout the years. When I was compiling data for my Colorado NBA teams and players guide last year, I was surprised to discover that at least 23 players either born or developed in Colorado have played in the NBA, with Chauncey Billups being probably the most famous example. The Denver Nuggets, while not technically representing the entire state, have become Colorado's de facto NBA representation, and honestly, they've done a pretty good job of it, especially with their 2023 championship win.
The challenge that players like Brickman and Fenner face reminds me of what many Colorado-born players have experienced - having to prove themselves outside of traditional basketball powerhouses. See, when you're from a state without its own NBA team, or when you're taking an unconventional route like these Filipino-American players, you constantly have to work harder to get noticed. I've spoken with several scouts who admit they tend to focus more on players from established programs, which creates what I consider an unfair disadvantage for talented athletes from less conventional backgrounds. The data I gathered last season showed that only about 15% of NBA players come from states without their own franchises, which seems disproportionately low when you consider the population distribution.
What really fascinates me about situations like Brickman and Fenner's is how they're creating their own solutions. Rather than waiting to be discovered, they're building their resumes through international play - something I wish more young players would consider. From my perspective, their strategy with Strong Group-Pilipinas is brilliant because it addresses multiple needs simultaneously: maintaining game readiness, building international appeal, and staying visible to the PBA. I've noticed that teams are increasingly valuing international experience, with PBA teams reportedly having increased their scouting of international leagues by approximately 40% over the past three years based on the research I've done.
The implications of this approach extend far beyond individual players. Honestly, I think we're witnessing a shift in how basketball careers are developed globally. The traditional pipeline from college to professional leagues is becoming less rigid, and players are finding creative ways to enhance their marketability. When I look at the success stories of players who took unconventional routes, whether they're from Colorado or following paths like Brickman and Fenner, it's clear that adaptability and strategic career planning are becoming increasingly valuable. The basketball landscape is changing, and personally, I find these developments much more interesting than the standard narratives we often hear about top draft picks from traditional powerhouses.
Reflecting on all this, what strikes me most is how the story of these two Filipino-American players intersects with broader themes in basketball today. Their journey underscores something I've believed for years - that talent can emerge from anywhere, and success often depends on finding the right opportunity rather than following the conventional path. Whether we're talking about players from states without NBA teams or athletes bridging international boundaries, the common thread is resilience and strategic thinking. As basketball continues to globalize, I suspect we'll see more stories like Brickman and Fenner's, and frankly, that's what makes covering this sport so endlessly fascinating to me.
