MANILA, Philippines — A Canadian team staffer has yelled the two worst words a reporter can hear during post-practice media availability, cupping his hands to belt, “First bus!” across Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Dillon Brooks, though, is in no hurry to reach the charter idling outside. He has exchanged his sneakers for a pair of black Birkenstocks, and the infamous defender is placing one foot in front of the other, meandering across the half-court line of this dingy arena like he’s balancing along a highwire.
That is Brooks’ task each night. For this Canada club — which is one win away from a potential matchup with Team USA for the World Cup gold medal — and for his ensuing role as perimeter pest for the Houston Rockets.