July 7, 2026 — New York, NY — The fourth annual NBA Math Hoops Global Championship came to a close at the NBA headquarters in New York City this June. This year's champions, hailing from Los Angeles, were fifth graders Zoe Henriquez (Clippers Math Hoops) and Ghian Caballero (Lakers Math Hoops). The championship game came down to the final buzzer, with Benjamin Harris (Iowa, Harrison & Brittany Barnes Foundation) and Jameer Baker (Chicago) finishing as runners-up.
As the largest tournament to date, this year’s championship showcased the breadth and depth of the program’s global impact. Twenty-nine students traveled from across the United States, Australia, South Korea, and France, marking the highest level of international representation in tournament history, while representing 16 NBA and WNBA markets.
The Global Championship kicked off on Monday, June 22, with a welcome dinner for students, families, and educators. Participants met for the first time, created team names, and drafted their player cards.
The first full day of the Global Championship began at the Fanatics' main office. Participants were greeted by Learn Fresh CEO and Co-Founder Nick Monzi to officially kick off the week. Monzi read a special message from the New York Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, welcoming students, families, and guests to the city.
“I am delighted to welcome everyone as Learn Fresh hosts the annual NBA Math Hoops Global Championship... This year’s championship program will give student finalists from across the United States, as well as Australia, France, and South Korea, the opportunity to visit our incredible city and immerse themselves in a range of experiences in sports, science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and culture.
I applaud Learn Fresh for its commitment to academic excellence and efforts to enable young learners by giving them the resources and tools they need to thrive. Together, we will ensure that our diverse metropolis remains an accessible and prosperous place for all who live, work, and visit here.
On behalf of the City of New York, home of the 2026 NBA Finals champions, the New York Knicks, congratulations to this year’s championship participants. I extend my best wishes for an enjoyable stay and continued success.” – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani
Afterwards, students explored the world of sports trading cards with Topps and Fanatics. They learned about card design, the history, and the science behind collecting before receiving surprise packs to open and trade with one another.
Students then put their math skills to the test. Each team played three round-robin games, with total points determining seeding for the final rounds. The top two teams earned a bye into the finals: Dream Team, represented by Chanel Smith (Pistons Math Hoops) and Grace Napier (Cavaliers Math Hoops), and Ballers Knowledge, represented by Benjamin Harris (Iowa, Harrison & Brittany Barnes Foundation) and Jameer Baker (Chicago).
The day wasn’t over yet! That evening, the group traveled to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn for the NBA Draft. Arriving ahead of the public, students were welcomed onto the main floor, where they took photos on stage and met incoming draftees.
They rejoined their families in the stands to watch the Draft officially kick off with first-round pick AJ Dybantsa selected by the Washington Wizards. Families enjoyed the rest of the evening cheering on their teams and favorite players as they entered the league, a reminder that dreams can become reality.
Day three brought participants to the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty. There, they met NBA Math Hoops alumnus Josh Johnson, who participated in one of the program’s earliest tournaments in 2017.
Josh shared his journey from student participant to college graduate and early-career professional. He reflected on reaching the final rounds, falling just short of a championship, and how that experience taught him resilience, sportsmanship, and grit.
Students then took part in a Q&A, asking questions ranging from who Josh’s favorite players were to game strategy. Johnson encouraged them to stay focused, work hard, and never give up on their dreams.
The morning continued with a panel discussion featuring JD Haddon, Senior Strategy Analyst at the New York Liberty. Haddon discussed how data and math shape decision-making in professional sports and global brands, drawing on experience with companies like Nike. He shared how analytics inform everything from product launches to strategic planning, encouraging students to explore careers in sports beyond being a professional athlete.
After lunch, students hit the courts in a workshop led by GameChanger, the number one youth sports app. Stations included:
The day wrapped up with an NBA Math Hoops Live game with GameChanger, a physical activity edition of the board game. After solving math problems, players ran out to numbered floor tiles on the court and took shots themselves.
Split into Team East and Team West, students battled it out on the court, with Team East ultimately earning the win.
Parents joined in on the fun for a special adults vs. students game. Students showed up and showed out with a 40-21 win over the parents. Ending the day on a high, families enjoyed free time in the Big Apple.
On Thursday, the final day began at the NBA headquarters in Manhattan. NBA staff led a guided tour of the offices, where students explored memorabilia, posed with the championship trophy, and learned how the league operates behind the scenes.
Returning to the main floor, participants took their spots in line and walked out one by one to cheers from the crowd. Nick Monzi, Learn Fresh CEO and Co-Founder, welcomed students and guests with heartfelt remarks, reflecting on the excitement the championship brings each year and the continued growth of the program. Kathy Behrens, President of Social Responsibility and Player Programs at NBA Cares, echoed those remarks, followed by Toby McAuliffe, Principal of Strategic Sports Partnerships at AWS, the final round's official sponsor.
With the opening whistle, the final rounds tipped off. All 16 teams competed in single-elimination gameplay. The passion was palpable. Round after round, teams showcased strategy, teamwork, and determination.
The championship came down to the Golden Bulldogs (Zoe Henriquez and Ghian Caballero) and Ballers Knowledge (Benjamin Harris and Jameer Baker). In a tightly contested final, the game ended 20–18, decided by a two-point shot in the closing moments.
The championship concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing students, educators, and partners for their sportsmanship, perseverance, and impact throughout the season.
Congratulations to all of this year's NBA Math Hoops Global Championship participants. Thank you to our educators, partners, families, and volunteers for making another unforgettable week possible!
Click here to view the event photo album.
2026 NBA Math Hoops Global Championship Winners:
Runners-Up:
Sportsmanship Award Winners:
Outstanding Educator Awards:
Partner of the Year Award: