Brick, RP team reinforcement, as Pinoy as pancit canton, lumpia

By Christine Moncada
Malaya
October 6, 2007

She is one-fourth Filipino and has distinct Caucasian features. But she is up-to-date with Filipino traditions and definitely not an alien to the Philippines's high regard and fancy for basketball.

That is why Fil-Am Vicky Lynne Brick did not even hesitate when she was contacted to suit up for the RP Team.

"All the hours I spent in the gym the past years, it's to prepare me for this kind of situation, to make history and start something great for the country. I'd like to be a part of it. It's a great opportunity and I just couldn't pass it up," said the 26-year-old former guard for University of Maryland, an NCAA Division 1 School in the US.

Brick is the daughter of Fil-Am Victor and American Lynne. Her grandmother, a native of Albay, met her grandfather, an American, during World War II. Her grandmother, whom she fondly calls "Nana," kept her attuned to the Filipino way of life, including eating her favorite pancit canton and lumpia.

The 5-foot-7 Brick played for the Terps from 1999 to 2004 and averaged 7.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game in her final year, then played for the WNBL in Australia from September 2005 to February 2006.

During her stints in the US NCAA and Australia, she pitted skills with Shay Doron, Nikki Teasly, Monique Curry, Alana Beard, Trish Falon, Belenda Snell, Kelly Mizzante, to name a few, who are now mainstays in the WNBA.

She spent a short time practicing with the Ateneo U women's squad last year and easily warmed up to the players and the style of basketball in the country.

National coach Fritz Gaston said Bricks' vast experience and exposure in top-level tournaments would come in handy when the relatively young RP squad vies for honor in international competitions, starting with the Southeast Asian Basketball Association Championship next week in Phuket, Thailand starting Oct. 14. The team will also see action in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December.

This careful observation by Gaston and the rest of the coaching staff was backed up by the confidence Brick exuded when she graced the Scoop Forum at the Kamayan Restaurant on Padre Faura St. in Malate yesterday.

"Playing in top level games in the US and having the opportunity to play in Australia and being in a situation where you have to show up and play youre A-game or go home, I feel that I have the experience they (teammates) can rely on.

"I'm used to difficult situations. I know my strengths and most importantly I know how to use it against much taller players," added Brick, who revealed looking up to Steve Nash "because of his quickness" and Cynthia Cooper.

Brick, who arrived last Wednesday, had her first practice with the RP squad last Thursday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum and drew positive feedbacks from her teammates.

"She's strong and quick and I'm sure she's going to be a big help to the team," said Ateneo's Cassey Tioseco, a two-time UAAP MVP.

"I will fill the role (the coaching staff) would ask me to fill, whether it is the role of a leader or a supporter," Bricks said.

Brick has committed to don the national colors until the SEA Games in Nakhon Ratchima in Thailand on Dec. 6-16 but her vision for RP basketball team does not stop there.

"For all we know this could lead the way to gaining a berth in the 2012 Olympics. It's a little bit fancy but there's nothing wrong shooting for that high vision," she stressed.