A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Professional Dunking
Episode 32 of the Dunk Talk Podcast is one of the most insightful episodes we have done because it pulls back the curtain on what it actually means to be a professional dunker. I (Dylan Haugen) sat down one-on-one with Donovan Hawkins, now 21 years old, without co-host Hunter this time due to scheduling conflicts. That turned out to be a blessing because it gave Donovan the space to really open up about the realities of pro dunker life in a way that I think a lot of people in the community have never heard before.
Recent Trips and Dunk Shows
We started by catching up on Donovan’s recent travels. He had been on some major trips including work with Team Flight Brothers, which is run by Chuck Milan who serves as the dunk coach for the NBA. Team Flight Brothers brings together top dunkers and takes them around the world for shows and events. Donovan described one of his best show performances where he was hitting virtually every dunk in his arsenal including a 360 under-both, which he confirmed was probably his best shell performance ever in terms of the actual dunks he completed.
What was really valuable about this part of the conversation was hearing how these trips actually work. Chuck brings a group of guys together, they travel to different locations, and they perform at events. For newer pro dunkers, working with established organizers like Team Flight Brothers is one of the main ways to get started in the professional circuit. It provides structure, connections, and exposure that would be nearly impossible to build on your own.
What a Typical Dunk Show Actually Looks Like
I asked Donovan to walk through what a typical dunk show trip looks like from start to finish, and his answer was refreshingly honest. He said the experience really varies from event to event, and a big part of being a successful pro dunker is learning to limit the number of events that are not going to be the best. Working with the best organizers provides the best overall experience, but not every opportunity is going to be top-tier. Sometimes you show up and the gym setup is not ideal, the rim is at a weird height, or the logistics are messy. Learning to navigate that and still deliver a great performance is a skill that separates professionals from amateurs.
One of the biggest practical takeaways was Donovan’s advice on how many dunks you actually need to have ready for a show. He said you really only need a maximum of five consistent dunks. The key word is consistent. He emphasized that you should never try dunks in a show that you cannot make reliably because missing dunks kills the environment and the energy in the room. At the same time, those five dunks need to be impressive enough to wow the audience. Showing up with just a 360 and an off-the-backboard is not going to cut it at the professional level. You need dunks that you know you can make and that are still somewhat spectacular.
Sessions Are Practice for Shows
Donovan shared a mindset shift that I think every aspiring pro dunker needs to hear. He said he views his regular dunking sessions not just as having fun but as practice for events and shows. Even though he genuinely enjoys session dunking and would do it without a camera, the way he approaches sessions is with the understanding that they demonstrate his preparedness and readiness at any given time. This dual purpose of sessions as both enjoyment and professional preparation is what keeps him sharp and consistent when it matters most.
The Business Side of Being a Pro Dunker
This was perhaps the most important section of the entire episode. Being a professional dunker is not just about being good at dunking. There is a real business side that includes negotiating pay, managing travel logistics, building and maintaining relationships with event organizers, and making smart decisions about which opportunities to take and which to pass on. Donovan talked about how the financial side of pro dunking varies dramatically from event to event and that you have to be strategic about how you build your career.
He also touched on the social media component of being a pro dunker. Content creation is not optional anymore if you want to build a sustainable career in dunking. Your social media presence is essentially your resume and your marketing all in one. Event organizers look at your following, your engagement, and the quality of your content when deciding who to book. That means even your session clips need to be high quality and consistent, because you never know who is watching.
Dealing With Pressure and Missed Dunks
We had a candid discussion about what happens when things do not go perfectly at a show. Donovan talked about times when he missed a dunk in front of a crowd and how he handles the mental aspect of that. His approach is to immediately move on and go right back to a dunk he knows he can hit to rebuild the energy. Dwelling on a miss or trying the same dunk again and again is a recipe for killing the entire show. The professionals who last in this game are the ones who can recover from mistakes quickly and keep the crowd engaged regardless of what happens. That mental toughness under pressure is just as important as the physical ability to jump high and execute difficult dunks.
Advice for Aspiring Professional Dunkers
Donovan’s overall advice for anyone wanting to go pro was grounded and practical. Stay consistent with your training, build a repertoire of at least five reliable show dunks, treat every session like practice for an event, invest in your social media presence, and be selective about the opportunities you take. He was clear that going pro is not just about having the highest vertical or the most impressive trick repertoire. It is about being reliable, professional, and strategic in how you build your career. This episode is essential viewing for anyone who has ever thought about turning their dunking ability into something more than a hobby. Watch the full conversation above for all of Donovan’s insights.