"Nah that's disrespectful": Hoops fans react to No. 1 WBB prospect Aaliyah Chavez's gesture toward opponent

Aaliyah Chavez, the No. 1 high school basketball prospect in the class of 2025, is once again in the spotlight. This time, it's not for her incredible performance on the court. Chavez has found herself at the center of a social media storm as a result of a controversial gesture she made during Monterey High School's narrow 67-65 loss to the Lincoln Tigers on Nov. 15.

A video of the incident, shared by Overtime on Instagram Monday, shows Chavez placing the basketball on the floor beside an opposing player who had fallen after successfully defending her. The gesture, which some interpreted as taunting, has drawn mixed reactions online.

"Nah that's disrespectful," one fan wrote.

"Mad corny and disrespectful," another added.

"She just mad she couldn't score on her all game. It's disrespectful and narcissistic," another fan said

Others defended Chavez, framing the moment as an intense but competitive reaction in the heat of the game.

"If y'all would've been at that game, you would've understood. But y'all weren't, so hush," one supporter countered.

"I understand why she did it. I respect it," another said.

Hoops fans react to No. 1 WBB prospect Aaliyah Chavez's gesture toward opponent. (Image via Instagram @overtimewbb)

Despite the controversy, Chavez delivered a stellar performance, scoring 34 points and nearly leading her team to victory. Her ability to command the game and consistently deliver buckets is one of the reasons why she's widely regarded as one of the most talented players in high school basketball.

Chavez names Allen Iverson & Kobe Bryant as her top basketball influences

Aaliyah Chavez is in the running for one of the sport's most prestigious accolades. The 5-9 point guard has been named to the 2025 Jersey Mike's Naismith High School Player of the Year Watch List, which includes high school basketball players considered the best in the country.

In a Q&A with Naismith Sunday, Chavez offered fans a glimpse into her mindset, opening up about her inspirations, pregame rituals, and hidden talents. When asked about the players who have most influenced her game, Chavez named two basketball icons.

"Allen Iverson & Kobe Bryant."

Chavez also revealed her biggest off-court inspiration, her father, who runs a basketball coaching academy and has been instrumental in shaping her journey.