From College Dismissal to Pro Basketball and Plant-Based Living in Vietnam | S14 E5

“I got kicked out of college. That was the moment I had to grow up—not just as a player, but as a man.” – Davon Dillard

When I first saw Davon Dillard playing for the Saigon Heat, I knew I had to talk to him. He stood out immediately—not just because of his athleticism on the court, but because there was something about his presence. He looked focused. Grounded. Professional.

And as it turns out—his story is even more powerful off the court than on it.
Davon opens up about hitting rock bottom after getting dismissed from Oklahoma State, and how that moment became the spark for personal growth, discipline, and a complete lifestyle change. Now, not only is he playing pro basketball in Vietnam, but he’s also a published author, a proud vegetarian for over a decade, and someone who’s using his story to lift others up.

This one’s about more than basketball. It’s about identity, transformation, and how we can all use our lowest points to rise higher than ever before.

Key Talking Points
- What it’s like playing for the Saigon Heat and the basketball culture in Vietnam
- First impressions of Vietnam, and how Davon’s family reacted to the move
- What it’s like being a tall, tattooed, Black athlete in Asia
- How a lifelong aversion to meat turned into 11+ years of vegetarian living
- Thoughts on Vietnamese food (and navigating “healthy” options)
- The power of resilience, community, and building a legacy through writing

Chapters and Timestamps
06:20 – Basketball in Vietnam: Clappers, crowds, and why it’s catching on
10:15 – Standing out in Asia: On being tall, tattooed, and Black in public
15:40 – The turning point: Getting kicked out of college and hitting rock bottom
26:30 – Writing three cookbooks and building purpose beyond basketball
34:00 – Going vegetarian: childhood food aversions, fasting, and discipline
40:00 – Protein & performance: how he fuels his body with mushrooms, eggs & juice

This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh