TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — American Brandon Gilbeck is expected to become Taiwan’s third naturalized basketball player. 

Gilbeck, who was selected for Taiwan’s A Team for the upcoming William Jones Cup tournament, signed a naturalized player’s contract with the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association on Monday (July 1), reported CNA. Once Gilbeck is approved by the Sports Administration of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of the Interior, he will become the third naturalized player in Taiwan’s men’s basketball history after Quincy Davis and William Artino.

The 27-year-old, nicknamed “Big B,” joined the Formosa Dreamers in the P. League+ (PLG) in 2021, reported CNA. He has won the PLG’s shot-blocking title for three straight years. 

This season, he was Defensive Player of the Year and a member of the All-Defensive First Team. The national team is working on getting him eligible for the William Jones Cup. 

Chang Cheng-chung (張承中), deputy secretary general of the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association, welcomed the 7-footer at Taoyuan Airport on Monday morning. Chang expressed confidence to CNA that Gilbeck’s Taiwanese citizenship application “will go smoothly.”

In the past, when discussing the opportunity to play for Taiwan, Gilbeck expressed interest. The Formosa Dreamers organization has been assisting with the naturalization process. 

Gilbeck said it would be an honor to play for Taiwan. He said that Taiwan has a special place in his heart and he likes the people and the environment.