Dunking knows no borders, and Adam’s journey from Taiwan to the international dunking scene proves it. In episode 58 of Dunk Talk, Dylan Haugen interviews Adam about his unique path — growing up in Taiwan, discovering his love for dunking, developing his skills through weightlifting and dedicated training, and connecting with the global dunking community from the other side of the world.
Growing Up in Taiwan
Adam’s story begins in Taiwan, where basketball culture is strong but organized dunking is virtually nonexistent. He describes what it was like to develop a passion for dunking in an environment without local mentors, training partners, or established pathways. Every piece of knowledge had to be sought out independently, primarily through online resources and social media content from American and European dunkers.
The Weightlifting Foundation
What distinguishes Adam’s journey is the role that weightlifting played in his athletic development. Before he became seriously focused on dunking, Adam had built a strong foundation through competitive weightlifting. This background gave him a significant advantage in strength and power production that many dunkers lack. He discusses how he transitioned from weightlifting-focused training to a program that balanced strength maintenance with jump-specific development.
Connecting With the Global Community
Social media and online communities became Adam’s lifeline to the dunking world. He shares how he connected with dunkers from other countries, learned new training techniques, and found the motivation to continue developing despite the isolation of being a dunker in Taiwan. The global dunking community welcomed him, and those connections became a crucial part of his development.
Growth as an Athlete and Person
Adam reflects on how dunking has shaped him beyond athletics. The discipline of training, the challenge of pursuing goals in an unsupported environment, and the connections he has made with people from different cultures have all contributed to his personal growth. Dunking became more than a sport — it became a vehicle for self-development and global connection.
Representing Taiwan in Dunking
The episode closes with Adam sharing his vision for growing the dunking scene in Taiwan and representing his country on the international stage. His journey is proof that passion and determination can overcome geographic and cultural barriers to athletic achievement.
Are you a dunker from a country without a strong dunking scene? Share your story in the comments — the community wants to hear from you.