Syracuse alum Oshae Brissett gets 1st NBA Start with Indiana

Last week we told you that former Syracuse Orange Oshae Brissett had signed a second 10-day contract with the Indiana Pacers. Last night Oshae had his 1st career NBA start when the Pacers met the San Antonio Spurs.

With Indiana missing players, Brissett got his opportunity and delivered a new career-high of 13 points and 6 rebounds in 25 minutes of action. Oshae was 5-8 from the field including 3-5 from behind the 3-pt line.

The shooting might surprise Syracuse fans but Oshae said after the game that he’s been more comfortable with his game since joining Ft. Wayne in the G League.

“It means a lot. It’s showing that my hard work is really paying off. The past couple months for me have been really about grinding and staying down and trying to figure myself out and really working hard...I’m just really excited and happy and proud of myself and what I’m able to do. It’s only up from here.”

With Indiana short-handed but fighting to stay in the play-in round in the Eastern Conference this is a chance for Oshae to showcase his ability to not only the Pacers but the rest of the NBA. It’s something he knows he needs to be ready to take advantage of as these opportunities aren’t easy to obtain.

“It’s been real exciting. It’s been a lot of learning, a lot of focus and really just staying with it. Everyday I attack like I’m going to play. That’s something that I learned a lot last year...If I don’t play or I do play, I know that I did my part to be ready for that game. The guys have been real helpful in talking to me and keeping me mentally prepared.

The Pacers are back in action on Wednesday night so we’ll see if Oshae gets another start.