Oshae Brissett Showing Improvement With Mad Ants
Oshae Brissett is emerging as one of the best players in the NBA G League following some very clutch performances.
His team just won back-to-back double overtime thrillers. He’s currently riding a streak of four straight double-doubles, the last three of which have been 20+ point, 10+ rebound outings. Over that same span, he’s averaged 22.5 points on 47% from the field and 42% from deep, to go along with 13 rebounds. That’s led to a double-double average on the season.
It’s safe to say Fort Wayne Mad Ants’ forward Oshae Brissett is on quite a tear.
After spending last season as a Two-Way Player with the Raptors organization, Brissett is now putting his talents on display in the NBA G League for all to see.
“I’m trying to have fun. Now knowing that there are more eyes on me — I’m open to everybody — that’s in the back of my mind,” he said eagerly.
Looking at the numbers, the 22 year old is off to a strong start. That said, there’s clearly been improvement from last season already. During his rookie campaign, Brissett did flash some of his athletic prowess with the Raptors 905, but could often be found waiting on the wings ready to cash in on shots from long range. It looked rather forced. This season, his athleticism is more prominently featured — Brissett is running the floor to perfection, filling gaps and getting to the basket with ease. The forward is capitalizing on high percentage looks and is being aggressive on the glass, averaging 4 offensive rebounds — the fifth-best mark in the league thus far.
Coming into the season, Brissett saw an opportunity to improve.
“I’m dedicated to being a good defender every night. I’m bringing energy night. I score when I need to score, but at the same time, I’m still working on a bunch of things with my offensive game,” he pointed out. “Getting all these reps in allows that to come easily.”
Being a Two-Way player comes with advantages. There’s an obvious monetary benefit and the player gets a taste of the NBA and feels invested in under the organization’s umbrella. But it can be exhausting, too. Their minutes and respective role on each team is vastly different, and it can be difficult to adjust from a physical and mental standpoint while going back and forth.
Of course, that’s part of the business. Brissett played for both the Raptors and Raptors 905 in the same day on two different occasions last season, joining a rather unique and impressive group. All the while, he’s impressed by the competition in the minor league.
“I took everything as a learning experience. There were ups and downs playing between both teams,” he added. “The competition is top tier because everyone is trying to prove themselves. There’s not a big drop off.”
Perhaps Brissett earned a valuable fan in Toronto. After being one of the final cuts in training camp before the start of the regular season, Brissett eventually joined the Mad Ants, who are affiliated with the Pacers. Indiana is of course led by head coach Nate Bjorkgren, a former Raptors assistant. There’s probably an added layer of comfort since former Raptors 905 teammate Devin Robinson also joined Brissett with the Mad Ants, as evidenced by the latter’s video blog.
After undergoing knee surgery last August, Brissett is showing no signs of hesitation on the court. He looks impressive around the rim and that same bounce is undoubtedly present. He’s improved his shooting percentages to 46% from the field and 34% from long range, better from last season’s 42/28 clip. That’s significant because the young gun is playing smarter basketball, learning what works and making the right plays. He doesn’t always have to score in bunches, but when Fort Wayne has looked his way this season, he hasn’t lacked confidence.
And as far as that same aforementioned bounce is concerned, don’t be surprised if Brissett lands on Sports Center’s Top 10 daily plays countdown at some point this season. He did so last season following an off-the-backboard dunk (via a pass from Raptors assignee Stanley Johnson). Gaining notoriety for his explosiveness is one thing, but Brissett appreciates earning credit for checking off dramatic victories like he and Fort Wayne did this past weekend.
“Winning games is the big thing, but as far as personal things go, [being on Sports Center] is fun,” he said. “It ultimately can get more eyes on you — maybe some GM’s — and that’s what we all want.”
If he continues to keep up this strong play, that won’t be a problem.