Brickman, De Liaño, Gozum among contenders for top PBA Draft pick

The PBA 2025 Rookie Draft is set for September 7, with the application deadline on Friday, August 29, before the close of office hours. Among those who have already submitted their names are three prospects projected to be top picks: Jason Brickman, Juan Gomez de Liaño, and Will Gozum.

But who should be the first overall selection? Let’s take a closer look—starting with Jason Brickman.

The 6’0” point guard from LIU Brooklyn has long been linked to a PBA debut, nearly a decade after going undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft. Since then, he has built an impressive international career, suiting up for Dynamo Moscow (2014), Medi Bayreuth (2015), Westports Malaysia Dragons (2015–2016), Mono Vampire (2016–2019), Hi-Tech Bangkok City (2019), San Miguel Alab Pilipinas (2019–2020), Kaohsiung Aquas (2021–2024), and currently, the Abra Solid North Weavers (2025).

His list of accolades is equally impressive: T1 League champion (2022), T1 League All-Star (2023), T1 League Most Valuable Import (2022), 2× All-T1 League First Team (2022, 2023), 2× T1 League assists leader (2022, 2024), 3× TBSL champion (2017–2019), ABL champion (2016), ABL Finals MVP (2016), 2× NCAA assists leader (2013, 2014), First-Team All-NEC (2014), and 3× William Jones Cup champion (2016, 2019, 2025).

On paper, Brickman’s experience, leadership, and playmaking skills make him a prime candidate for the No. 1 pick in the league’s Golden Season. His court vision and proven track record could immediately elevate any PBA team.

The only concern? At 33 years old, his prime may be nearing its end, raising questions about the longevity of his career in the country’s oldest professional league. Still, with his caliber and wealth of experience, passing on Brickman could be a costly mistake for any team holding the top pick.

Next on the list is Juan Gomez de Liaño.

The 25-year-old Filipino-Spanish guard from Mandaluyong also boasts an impressive basketball résumé. He first made his mark with the UPIS Junior Maroons before starring for the UP Fighting Maroons from 2017 to 2019, earning UAAP Rookie of the Year honors in 2017 and a Mythical Team selection in 2018. In 2022, he was named MVP of the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.

De Liaño has also played professionally overseas, suiting up for Earthfriends Tokyo Z in Japan (2021), BC Wolves in Lithuania (2022–2023), and Seoul SK Knights in Korea (2023–2025).

If drafted first overall, Juan could potentially face his older brother, Javi, for the first time in his professional career. Javi was recently traded to the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots in exchange for Maverick Ahanmisi, who is now with the Terrafirma Dyip—a team widely expected to secure the No. 1 pick.

Whether playing alongside or against his brother, Juan is expected to bring a dynamic and versatile game to whichever team selects him.

Rounding out the top contenders is 6-foot-6 forward Will Gozum.

Gozum began his high school career with the UPIS Junior Fighting Maroons before transferring to the Malayan Red Robins in 2016, where he won the NCAA Season 92 championship. The following year, he was named NCAA Season 93 Most Valuable Player after leading his team to the finals, where they finished runners-up to the La Salle Green Hills Greenies.

On February 2, 2018, Gozum committed to the UP Fighting Maroons for UAAP Season 81 but saw limited playing time. He left the team in January 2020 and returned to the NCAA, this time with the Benilde Blazers, becoming eligible in Season 97. In Season 98, he led Benilde to their first finals appearance since Season 78 (2002) and captured MVP honors. He played his final NCAA season in 2023, though his participation was initially in doubt due to a preseason injury.

In the pros, Gozum has suited up for the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards (2021), Pampanga Royce (2023), and Quezon Huskers/Titans (2023–present). He also won a championship in the PSL in 2024.

For teams looking for a skilled and physical big man, Gozum stands out as one of the most promising frontcourt options in this year’s draft.

1. Juan Gomez de Liaño – At 25 and in his athletic prime, Juan offers the perfect balance of youth, international experience, and versatility. His ability to play both guard spots and adapt to different systems makes him the safest long-term investment.

2. Jason Brickman – While his age is a factor, Brickman’s leadership, elite court vision, and winning pedigree make him an immediate impact player. For a team looking to contend now, he’s the most ready-to-deliver option.

3. Will Gozum – The best frontcourt talent in the draft, Gozum provides size, scoring inside, and rebounding. His ceiling is high, but he will need to prove he can translate his NCAA dominance to the PBA level.