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Taipei Basketball Star Quincy Davis III

Taipei Basketball Star Quincy Davis III
Humbled To Call Taiwan Home

Article ｜Don Singleterry (Coach Don)
Photos ｜Pure-Youth Construction Basketball Team, Chinese Taipei Basketball Association

Upon entering the gym where the Pure-Youth Construction Basketball Team (璞園建築籃球隊) practices, the sounds of sneakers screeching along the smooth floors, teammates chattering and the coach blowing on his whistle are all too familiar. It is here that you will immediately notice Quincy Davis III. Although he isn’t the tallest, fastest, or biggest player on the team, his actions both on and off the court are making an impact around the world.

Davis is a power forward/center for Pure-Youth Construction Basketball Team of Taiwan’s professional basketball league, SBL. Hailing from California and resides in Mobile, Alabama, Davis has made Taipei his home for the last five years. His love for Taiwan and its people led him to renounce his American citizenship in favor of becoming an official Taiwanese national, setting in motion a wave of support.

▲ Quincy Davis III (Photo: Pure-Youth Construction Basketball Team)

Taiwan: The Country of Brotherly Love
Davis dreamed of a career in basketball from an early age. After completing college, he went on to play basketball in Cyprus, Portugal, Venezuela, China, and Turkey. He returned to America to start a new chapter in his life as a firefighter, but before he could begin that career he received a life-changing phone call inviting him to play in Taiwan. “The love of the sport and the opportunity to further my career in a place that believed in my ability is what brought me to Taiwan,” Davis says. He adds that, “Taiwan is a hidden treasure that is so often overlooked.”

Davis had longed to play for Taiwan’s national team, but as a foreigner was ineligible to do so. To fulfill that dream, he made a sacrificing decision to renounce his American citizenship and became a Taiwanese national. This act brought national attention and an outpouring of support. He went on to play for the national team, and aid them in defeating rival mainland China, competing at a high level in international events.

“Taiwanese people here have a genuine love and respect for me that I have never experienced before.” Davis says. He elaborates further, “Taiwanese culture and my teammates add the word ‘guh,’ which means brother at the end of male’s names. Once you acknowledge a man as your brother, it reminds you to love and respect, and I think that is very cool.”

▲ Davis renounced his American citizenship and became a Taiwanese national, went on to play for the national team. (Photos: Chinese Taipei Basketball Association)

Building Better People Through Sports
With Taipei set to host the coming Universiade, Davis provides his insight on why this event is so important for Taiwan. “It’s a huge benefit locally and internationally. Sports instill social skills that people need today.” He notes that, “Children are not learning enough to work as a team to accomplish goals, nor are they given enough opportunities to be prideful and represent their country.” It is his belief that participation in sports can bring about positive change, and supports this with an analogy. “In international sports, we come together as a country, raise our flags and go compete like it’s a war. But war is such a horrible act of violence on humanity, that ‘NO ONE’ wins. We have an alternative by competing in sports in which we become friends, learn, grow, and go home to our loved ones.”

Davis highlights the benefits of sports and how it can impact one’s daily life, that would last their lifetime. “Sports teach discipline, strength, and how to fight through adversity. At some point you are going to have to work with others at any career path you choose, and sports will prepare you for that.” Off the court, Davis is equally passionate. He started a summer program, TYGA (Taiwan Youth Generation America), which takes aspiring youth to his hometown, to learn about the culture, language and opportunities there. “It gives them a chance to go to California, learn and become exposed to places outside of Taiwan,” he says. “It is humbling and gives me pride when I hear of the youth here aspiring to follow in my footsteps by playing sports.” When asked why he feels the need to encourage Taiwan’s youth, he responds that, “As a Taiwanese citizen, I feel that while I am on this earth, it’s my duty to make a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Taipei State of Mind
It can be easy to forget that Davis in many ways is just like any other typical Taiwanese citizen. He enjoys internet golf, riding YouBike and KTV. “My singing is terrible,” he says with a laugh. He encourages visiting friends and relatives to try Taiwan’s local cuisine. “You always have to get them to try stinky tofu,” he says. His favorite food is danbing, or egg crepe, because, “You can put anything in it!” It’s these little things that make you realize that the 6ft 9in (2.08m) Davis is adventurous and fun loving.

As the conversation draws to a close, it becomes noticeable how often he uses the word “we.” Since becoming a citizen of Taiwan, Davis has completely bought into playing his part and making a contribution. When asked to give advice to others looking to renounce citizenship of their native country in favor of another, his reply is simple. “Do it for the right reason. Do it because you love and appreciate the culture.” He adds that, “Don’t try to change it either. Embrace it! Taiwan is the only place where I have felt that people care for my humanity and well-being. The Taiwanese are humble and I believe that they take good care of their people.”

For Davis, Taiwan is a home away from home. It is a place of humanity, love and acceptance. In an age where people of high status can be difficult to engage with, understand or relate to, this isn’t the case with Davis. He took time out for this interview on his birthday, something many would not consider doing. This confirms that he is in the right place, and Taiwan is better off for having him.