Chris Dierker, also known by his Vietnamese name Đặng Quý Kiệt, is a Vietnamese American former professional basketball player renowned for his contributions to Vietnamese basketball. Born on August 11, 1994, in Canton, Michigan, Dierker’s mother, Lien Dierker, hails from Danang, Vietnam, establishing his Vietnamese heritage.

Early Life and Education

Dierker attended Salem High School in Michigan before enrolling at Madonna University. During his collegiate career, he became Madonna’s all-time leader in rebounds (908) and ranked seventh in career points with 1,483. In 2016, he set a school record with 19 rebounds in a single game and earned a degree in biology upon graduation.

Professional Career

In 2018, Dierker was selected as the first overall pick by the Danang Dragons in the Vietnam Basketball Association (VBA) draft. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 210 pounds, he played as a forward. His impact was immediate; he was named Heritage Player of the Year in 2018 and earned the Most Valuable Player award in the first week of that season.

Beyond the VBA, Dierker represented Vietnam in international competitions, including the Southeast Asian Games, further elevating the profile of Vietnamese basketball.

Retirement

After a successful career, Dierker announced his retirement from professional basketball in 2020. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the sport in Vietnam, inspiring a new generation of players.

For a visual highlight of Dierker’s performance, you can watch the following video: