Hunter Castona’s progression from barely touching the rim to hitting underboth dunks is one of the most relatable transformation stories in the dunking community. In episode 34 of Dunk Talk, Dylan Haugen interviews his co-host about the training, mindset shifts, and defining moments that turned him from an aspiring dunker into someone capable of performing advanced dunks.
Where It All Began
Hunter’s dunking journey started from a modest place — he was an athlete who could barely graze the rim and dreamed of one day throwing down a real dunk. His early days were marked by the same frustrations many aspiring dunkers face: progress felt slow, the rim seemed impossibly high, and the path forward was unclear. But Hunter’s willingness to commit to the process and stay consistent even when results were hard to see is what set the stage for everything that followed.
The Training That Built the Foundation
Hunter discusses the training approaches that helped him build his vertical from rim-grazing level to consistent dunking. He started with a focus on general strength and gradually introduced more jump-specific training as his body adapted. The progression was methodical — each phase built on the previous one, and Hunter learned to trust the process even when improvements were not immediately visible.
Breaking Through Plateaus
Every dunker hits plateaus, and Hunter was no exception. He shares the specific plateaus he encountered during his development and the strategies he used to break through them. Whether it was adjusting his training program, improving his nutrition, or simply taking a strategic rest period, each plateau required a different solution.
The Underboth Milestone
The journey from basic dunks to an underboth — a dunk where the ball passes under both legs while in the air — represents a massive leap in skill and athleticism. Hunter describes the process of working toward this milestone, including the specific training drills, the progressive skill development, and the mental confidence building that made it possible.
Advice for Dunkers Starting From Scratch
Hunter’s perspective is uniquely valuable because he started from a point that many aspiring dunkers can relate to. His advice for athletes who are just beginning their journey is grounded in personal experience and focused on the practical steps that produce real results. His core message is that starting from a low level is not a disadvantage — it simply means the journey will be longer, and the transformation will be even more rewarding.
What was your first dunk like? Share the story in the comments — we all started somewhere.