Chris Dierker on podium receives 3-on-3 men's basketball bronze medal at 2019 SEA Games
Richard Esguerra (ABS-CBN Sports)

@MUCrusadersMBB Alum, Dierker, leads Vietnam to pair of bronze medals

By Zachary Shore
2019 SEA Games Logo

A three-time All-Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference performer and career rebound leader for the Madonna University men’s basketball team, Chris Dierker is no stranger to success, but leading the Vietnam national team to the country’s first ever Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball medal is another story.

Dierker, an American-Vietnam dual citizen, has played basketball in the Vietnam Basketball Association (VBA) for the past two seasons and is coming off a 2018 VBA Heritage MVP honor and playoff season with the Saigon Heat of the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL). He was expected to play a major role for the Vietnamese and he did not disappoint. 

To play on the Vietnam national team was an honor. It was an awesome experience to represent the country where my mom grew up and competing against the other Southeast Asia countries. Basketball is a growing sport in Vietnam. Four years ago they were getting beaten by 40-plus points, last year they finished sixth. Being able to finish third was a huge improvement, especially being so close to competing for a gold medal in both the 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 games.
Chris Dierker on what it means to represent Vietnam
Vietnam on 3x3 MBB podium at 2019 SEA Games
Vietnam on medal podium
Vietnam 3x3 MBB team with medals
Vietname celebrates 2 bronze medals
Winning the first medal in basketball history for Vietnam was a once in a lifetime experience. We get to say we are the first team ever to earn a basketball medal and to do so in both 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 points Vietnam basketball in the right direction.
Chris Dierker on winning a medal for Vietnam
Chris Dierker lays up a ball vs Redeemer University
Chris has been a major force in the Madonna basketball program from the moment he arrived on campus. His size and athleticism translated immediately to the college game he provided numerous highlights throughout his career. He consistently worked hard to develop his game, added new skills and gained confidence each year. He also excelled in the classroom and was a tremendous leader both on and off the court.

Our program is proud of all that Chris has accomplished and all he achieved while at MU, but the purpose of our program is to help prepare our young men for the challenges and opportunities that await them when they graduate. We are proud that Chris, like so many other Madonna alumni, has found success and is providing value to organizations around the world.
Madonna Men's Basketball Head Coach - Noel Emenhiser
We got contributions from a number of different guys, but this guy (pointing to Dierker) came alive and he spent like the entire tournament and played like an MVP. He helped carry his team to the first medal in history of our country.
Vietnam's American coach Kevin Yurkus in an article for ESPN
Chris Dierker goes in for layup against Philippines at SEA Games 2019
Chris Dierker guards Philippines Guard at SEA Games 2019
Chris Dierker looks to pass vs Singapore at SEA Games 2019
Chris Dierker boxes out for rebound at SEA Games 2019
Chris Dierker (Vietnam) drives the lane against Indonesia at 2019 SEA Games
Vietnam Men's Basketball TEam
Vietnam Timeout at SEA Games
Chris Dierker recovering
Chris Dierker SEA Games Poster
Chris Dierker at SEA Games 12

The 2018 VBA top overall pick for the Danang Dragons, Dierker led Vietnam in points twice and rebounds and assists three times in the five games at the Vietnamese finished the games 3-2 overall. In the pool play round, Vietnam went 2-1 thanks in large part to Dierker. In the teams second game, a 99-78 win over Singapore, Dierker had 15 rebounds and four assists, then in a matchup with Games host and eventual gold medalists, the Philippines, Dierker led the team in points (28), rebounds (9) and assists (4). 

In the semifinals against Thailand, a 101-95 loss, Dierker poured in a game-high 31 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. In the bronze medal game, an 86-71 victory over Indonesia, Dierker finished second on the team with 18 points to go with six rebounds, four assists and two steals in 34 minutes of play. 

The medal is the first-ever in 60 years of Vietnam basketball and 30 SEA games. Not only did the team with a medal in the 5x5 games but Dierker also led the country to a bronze in the 3x3 competition.This year's games were held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Philippines. Dierker now will be joining the Saigon Heat in preparation for the ABL’s 10th season and the team is expected to contend for a title with a host of talented players up and down its roster. Play begins on January 3.

My advice for players that may have similar dreams of playing after college is to keep putting in the work and be a good teammate. There are many professional teams all over the world looking for players, especially from smaller colleges. Former Madonna guard Bobby Naubert played in Germany, Fred Williams, another MU grad, is playing in Australia and my assistant coach, Matt Van Pelt, was a 5-foot-10 guard from Spring Arbor and he played several years professionally. There are many opportunities to play at the next level; you just have to be willing to put in the time and commitment.
Chris Dierker on what current players need to do to play at the next level
ABS-CBN News Story
ESPN Story on Vietnam winning medal