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Putnam Science Academy Mustangs’ all-time leading scorer with 1,415 points Hamidou Diallo took home the title of 2019 NBA Slam Dunk Champion after winning this past weekend during the NBA All-Star Weekend.
Diallo was known for his athletic ability and vertical leap creating plenty of highlights during his time with the Putnam Science Academy Mustangs. Word even made its way out to Boston where Celtics GM Danny Ainge stopped by to get a look at the bouncy wing.
Diallo got a chance to show the entire world Feb. 16 on the national stage what many got to see first-hand right in Putnam, Hamidou Diallo can put on a show.
Diallo showed off his well-documented athleticism displaying three high-flying dunks on his way to outlasting New York Knicks guard Dennis Smith Jr. to take home the dunk contest crown. Diallo started the night with a one-handed windmill, using his non-dominant left hand, to throw down a dunk off an assist from All-Star guard Russell Westbrook. That dunk got Diallo 48 points out of 50 but it was the following dunk in the 2nd round that would steal the show.
Diallo displayed Superman’s famous “S” on his chest he wore under his Oklahoma City jersey that was ripped down the middle. Using NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal as a prop, Diallo leaped over the 7-footer and threw down a handed dunk, paying homage to Vince Carter’s “honey-dip” dunk he pulled off in the 2000 NBA Dunk Contest, with his elbow down in the rim. The arena erupted as Diallo swayed from the rim, peeling back the Thunder jersey to again show Superman’s logo, and judges rewarded Hamidou with a perfect 50. The Thunder guard would use another prop; except this time, it was significantly shorter 5-9 Atlanta rapper “Quavo” of the “Migos” rap group. Quavo held the ball above his head and Diallo cleared him, grabbing the ball and stuffing it with two hands. Only needing 43 points in the final round, Hamidou scored a 45 clinching the win.
Josh Sanchas
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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