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Shaquille O'Neal Judges 2025 Atlanta Shot Dunkman Amateur Dunk Contest, Crowned MVP

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 16:01 GMT by Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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Shaq and an All‑Star Panel Crown the Best Amateur Dunkers at Atlanta Shot Dunkman

In a glittering showcase of raw athleticism and jaw‑dropping flair, former NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal sat on the judging panel for the 2025 Atlanta Shot Dunkman Amateur Dunk Contest, a headline‑making event that drew a host of current NBA stars, local celebrities, and a packed crowd of hoop‑hustlers and fans. The contest, held on December 3 at the historic Ponce City Market gym, featured twenty of the most promising high‑school, college and club players from the Southeast, all vying for the coveted Shot Dunkman trophy and a guaranteed scholarship‑grant package to a top NCAA program.

A Night of Dunks, Drama, and Southern Pride

The atmosphere inside the gym was electric from the moment the first buzzer sounded. A custom LED floor projected the tournament’s logo while a live DJ spun an infectious mix of hip‑hop and classic funk that kept the crowd on their feet. The 10‑minute opening act saw each contestant perform a single dunk that ranged from high‑fly alley‑oop to ground‑breaking 360‑degree windmills. The crowd’s cheers were punctuated by Shaq’s unmistakable laugh and encouraging nods as he took the first round in a half‑court “freestyle” round that let the contestants improvise off‑the‑shelf moves.

As the night progressed, the competition tightened. By the time the semi‑finals arrived, the judges—Shaq, former All‑Star Kemba Walker, and current NBA guard Kevin Durant—were visibly impressed. Each round was scored on power, style, creativity, and crowd impact, with a maximum of 10 points per judge, allowing a perfect score of 30.

The event’s highlight came when local prodigy Maya “Jet” Johnson (6‑4, 140 lb) executed a flawless “Reverse 360‑Windmill” from the free‑throw line that sent the gym into a roar. Shaq’s eyes widened and he shouted, “That’s the kind of vision we look for in the pros!” The crowd erupted, and the moment was captured on a loop of instant replays in the local newsroom’s live feed.

The Winner and the Prize

After a nail‑biting final where the finalists delivered one‑two‑three dunks—each one more creative than the last—the judges announced the winner: sophomore college‑bound guard, “Maverick” Johnson (5‑11, 165 lb). Maverick’s final dunk, a thunderous “Alley‑Oop from the block” that saw him flip mid‑air while the ball slipped through the net with a spectacular swoosh, was the decisive factor. He received a perfect score of 30 from Shaq, a 29.5 from Kemba, and a 29 from Durant.

In addition to the trophy and the scholarship grant, Maverick earned a free pass to the upcoming 2026 NCAA Final Four. “I’ve been working on this dream since I was in fifth grade,” he said. “Seeing Shaq, Kemba, and Kevin looking at my dunk like that— it’s surreal.”

The tournament also provided a platform for community outreach. The organizers partnered with the “Hoops for Hope” foundation to donate a portion of the proceeds to after‑school programs in underserved neighborhoods throughout Atlanta. The foundation’s co‑founder, former NBA player Marcus Smart, thanked the organizers for their commitment to giving back.

Contextual Links for Deeper Insight

The original article on The Atlanta Journal‑Constitution includes several hyperlinks that broaden the story:

1. Official Shot Dunkman Site – A link to the event’s main website provides full rosters, the judging rubric, and a gallery of dunk videos.
2. Shaq’s Legacy in Youth Basketball – A separate story that tracks Shaquille O’Neal’s continued investment in grassroots basketball, including his ownership of the "Shaq’s Big Day" youth camp series.
3. College Scholarship Details – The scholarship program, described on the university’s athletic department page, offers a $15,000 annual stipend to the winner for the next four years.
4. Hoops for Hope Partnership – A press release from the foundation that details the financial contribution to local after‑school programs.

These links allow readers to trace the broader impact of the event, from player development to community enrichment.

What Makes the Shot Dunkman Event Special

The Shot Dunkman contest has become an annual fixture in Atlanta’s sports calendar, praised for its inclusivity and high‑level competition. The 2025 edition stood out for several reasons:

• Celebrity Judge Panel – The presence of Shaq, Kemba, and Durant turned the contest into a national spectacle. Their insights offered contestants instant validation and a rare learning opportunity.
• Professional-Level Production – From the lighting and sound to the instant‑replay footage, the production value matched that of an NBA All‑Star Saturday night.
• Community Impact – The partnership with “Hoops for Hope” underscores a commitment to social responsibility, giving the event a purpose beyond entertainment.
• Player Development – The scholarship award connects top amateur talent to a concrete future, helping to bridge the gap between high school and college play.

In a city known for its deep basketball roots—home to the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, the storied Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and a host of high‑school legends—Shot Dunkman has carved out a unique niche that celebrates both the spectacle of the sport and the potential of its youngest athletes.

Final Takeaway

The 2025 Atlanta Shot Dunkman Amateur Dunk Contest proved that the next generation of basketball stars are not only ready to take to the court; they’re ready to soar. With Shaquille O’Neal’s guiding presence and the support of current NBA superstars, the event delivered a blend of raw athleticism, community spirit, and future‑focused opportunity. As the city of Atlanta continues to cultivate talent, contests like Shot Dunkman will likely remain a touchstone for aspiring players, fans, and the broader basketball community alike.