Spotlight on Jordan Brickman

It comes as no surprise to those who have seen him play that some of the best programs in the country are vying for the sophomore’s attention. Among the numerous awards he has won in his two high school seasons, is the top honor of NACA 2207 National Player of the Year where Brickman led the Cornerstone Preparatory Academy to the national championship and was named most outstanding player of the tournament.

His skill and knowledge of the game were no quick lesson. According to Brickman’s father, it started around 14 years ago when Jordan was 2-years-old.

“My dad said I started dribbling when I was two, and by sixth grade I knew I wanted to play basketball. I also played baseball and soccer, but my dad had played basketball in college and so he practiced that with me the most,” remembers Brickman.

The years of practice have certainly led the “solid division-1 prospect”, according to prepstars.com, to where he is today. And nipping at his heels are two younger brothers Jason, and Justin who are said to have inherited as much of the basketball gene as their older brother. So what of the possibility of the three Brickman boys playing on the same team together?

“We played together in summer league. The three of us started together, and it was a lot of fun,” said Brickman.

He quickly shoots down any talk of sibling rivalry, and says he likes seeing his siblings succeed.

“I know a lot of people think I hope I am the best in the family and that Jason and Justin aren’t better than me. I don’t think I am that selfish. I want to see Jason do good in everything and especially Justin because I know he looks up to me,” says Brickman. He goes on to say he wants Justin, who is currently in 10th grade, to go on and succeed in whatever capacity of sports or other hobbies he wants to.

The Brickman family dynamics are of friendly competition, and with three boys in the house, lots and lots of noise.

“When my parents are on the phone they tell us to be quiet. Other than that they are fine with the noise,” said Brickman, who also mentions even the family dog is not free from the rowdiness only young boys can bring. “Justin tries to make the dog bark. One of our dogs has an attitude problem and Justin will have a staring contest with him until the dog starts barking. One time he got bit in the face, but that still didn’t stop him.”

Brickman is proud to head the trio as the oldest. He acknowledges there is pressure, but he says he is more comfortable knowing he is in the lead because he can rest assured he is helping to guide his brothers. The precedent he has set for Jason and Justin to follow has all but gone unnoticed.

“His brothers need to thank him. He's a tough act to follow but he allowed them to see that it can be done. If we are fortunate we could see them all three play together one day,” said Webb.

Jordan and Jason love to compete in and out of the classroom and that's what makes us as parents happy,” says the content father, adding, “I just want them to be happy, whatever they do and pursue, I just want them to be happy. I want them to do something they love.”  

From the backyard to top of the nation, Brickman’s short basketball career is surely headed nowhere but up, and if it is his choice he would one day like to play for Texas A& M or for Bobby Knight at Texas Tech University. Webb sees his career going even further.

“I see Jordan signing a full scholarship to a major division 1 college, succeeding and moving on to play some form of professional basketball. It's totally up to him, but he's a smart kid and athlete. I don't see any reason why he won't play in the NBA someday,” says Webb.

Brickman continues his daily walk with an air of maturity and confidence that other athletes his age would have lost long ago. He credits his parents for their spiritual guidance and knows it is their love for him that has allowed him to reach the point he is at today.

By Abby Fernandez

TSI Summer Camps 2008

Camp dates are June 16-20, 23-27 and 30-July 3rd at Calvary Temple. Calvary Temple is located at 14335 Oconnor Rd San Antonio, TX 78247. Our second camp is a 1 week camp and will be held August 4-8 at First Assembly. First Assembly is located at 13435 West Ave San Antonio, TX 78216.