Aaliyah Chavez, the No. 1 player in the 2025 class, is already dominating headlines—and not always for the right reasons. From her shock commitment to Oklahoma to her performance at the McDonald’s All-American Game, the basketball world is watching closely. The latest buzz? Her jaw-dropping win in the 3-point contest at Sprite Jam Fest, where she scored 18 points, without even needing her last shot before the buzzer. But while that earned her praise, her showing in the McDonald’s finals has left fans questioning if the hype matches the game.
In the East vs. West showdown, Chavez and her West team came out on top 104-82, but her performance wasn’t as smooth as expected. Going 4/13 from the field (just 30.7%) and missing 6 out of 8 three-point attempts has raised eyebrows.
Pahsa Bains from Drive Basketball summed it up with a blunt observation on X: “Aaliyah Chavez is a bucket, no question. But the McDonald’s game has exposed what elite size & speed can do to undersized guards.”
Aaliyah Chavez is a bucket, no question.
But the McDonald’s game has exposed what elite size & speed can do to undersized guards.
She’s been playing off the ball & hasn’t had many looks.
— Pasha Bains (@DRIVEBasketball) April 2, 2025
Chavez’s transition to college will certainly be tougher, as defenders get longer, stronger, and faster. Despite the West’s win, her struggles raised doubts, especially given her choice to bypass powerhouses like UCLA, USC, UConn, and South Carolina in favor of Oklahoma, a team that fell to UConn in the Sweet 16. With all eyes on her, Aaliyah’s got a long road ahead. Will she live up to the No. 1 billing? Well, some people disagree…
Fans React to Aaliyah Chavez: The Good, The Bad, and The Hype
One fan put it bluntly: “They gonna eat Chavez up in the SEC.” With her decision to choose Oklahoma, a team ranked 4th in the SEC, some wonder if she’s in over her head compared to powerhouses like Texas, South Carolina, or LSU. However, if Coach Jennie Baranczyk can tap into Chavez’s potential, the Sooners might just rise in the rankings next season.
High School Basketball: McDonalds All American Jam Fest Mar 31, 2025 Brooklyn, New York, USA McDonalds All American West guard Aaliyah Chavez 2 poses for photos after winning the girls three point competition during the Sprite Jam Fest at Barclay s Center. Brooklyn Barclay s Center New York USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xPamelaxSmithx 20250331_mcd_tp7_141
Another fan said: “She hasn’t played real talent before.” While this may seem like a slight, it’s not entirely true. Chavez has faced elite competition on the Nike EYBL circuit, where she averaged 29.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 30 minutes per game, leading her team to a championship. These are the same players she’ll face in college, proving her readiness.
One harsh critique came from a fan who called Chavez “hella overrated.” Yet, her performance in the McDonald’s game tells a different story. Despite a rough night with just 10 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals, Chavez’s overall high school career speaks volumes: 4,796 points, 1,279 rebounds, 771 assists, and 476 steals in 150 games. It’s all part of the growing pains of being a top-ranked player.
A fan quipped: “They talking about Aaliyah Chavez like she Cole Anthony, dog, oh no.” While she may not be Cole Anthony, the scouting numbers don’t lie. ESPN and 247 Sports have her ranked No. 1, with ratings of 98 and 100, respectively. Although many players do slip into oblivion after being ranked No. 1, it remains to be seen if Chavez will follow that path or prove the doubters wrong.
Finally, another comment suggested: “Yes they are!!! She got to get quicker… and take smarter shots!!” While Chavez may not be a smaller guard like Hailey Van Lith, her 5’11” frame places her on par with players like Azzi Fudd and could eventually put her in the same league as Paige Bueckers at 6’0″. Growth, after all, is what college is all about.
The post Oklahoma Reeling as No.1 Recruit Aaliyah Chavez Becomes the Laughing Stock for NCAA World Despite McDonald’s All-American Achievement appeared first on EssentiallySports.
