In this episode of the Dunk Talk Podcast, host Dylan Haugen and co-host Hunter Castona sit down with elite dunker Dillan McCarthy for a wide-ranging conversation following one of the most eye-opening milestones in modern vertical jump history: a verified 50-inch vertical at 19 years old. Dillan walks through his athletic background, from volleyball-only roots and his first dunk at 16 to becoming one of the youngest athletes ever to reach the 50-inch mark. The discussion traces his early, extreme training habits, including daily max-effort jumping, massive volume in the weight room, and how those years shaped both his physical capacity and mindset.The episode digs deep into how Dillan’s approach has evolved. He explains the shift from chaotic, ultra-high-volume training to more structured work under professional guidance, how low-rim dunking and weighted ball work transformed his hand speed, and why refining technique has become just as important as raw power. Dillan also breaks down the session that led to his 50-inch test, his experience earning the Dunk Camp’s Black Band, and what it was like training alongside some of the most knowledgeable jump coaches and dunkers in the world.The conversation closes with a forward-looking look at what’s next: chasing a 51-inch test, pushing toward the limits of human jumping, and attempting never-before-seen elbow dunk variations. This episode offers a rare look at what happens when extreme athletic ability meets relentless curiosity and long-term vision. If you’re fascinated by elite jumping, dunk evolution, or what it really takes to push human limits, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.Support the Dunk Talk Podcast:Website: https://dunktalks.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dunktalksTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dunktalkpodcastX: https://x.com/dunktalkpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Dunk-Talk-61577990706901/Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4737NyBcPveHp3CAftdj5i?si=g7RCdo7RQ72kYjf0daGOggListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunk-talk/id1748327178Today's Speakers:Dylan Haugen (Host) -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanhaugen23/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dylanhaugen23Hunter Castona (Co-Host) - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunter.dunks/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hunterdunksDillan McCarthy (Guest) - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dillan_mccarthy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DillanMcCarthy50

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