Wharton Sports Analytics and Business Initiative (WSABI) partnered with Learn Fresh to host an educational session in conjunction with the 2022 NBA Math Hoops National Championship Weekend, bringing together 28 students from across the country for a weekend of learning, competition, and fun! The weekend was co-hosted by Learn Fresh, along with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Sixers Youth Foundation.
The NBA Math Hoops program and National Championship are supported by a number of founding partners, including NBA Cares, the NBA, WNBA, NBPA, WNBPA, Hasbro, and Getty Images.
The event took place on Saturday, June 11, 2022, and began with a welcome video from Professor Adi Wyner, followed by a STEM lesson on the “expected value of the 3-point shot” by Alex Tolbert. Participating students included 5th-8th graders from around the country who excelled in the NBA Math Hoops Program. WSABI hosted approximately 84 students, parents, and teachers.
Students enjoyed a tour of the University of Pennsylvania campus beginning at Jon M. Huntsman Hall, led by Zeke Kelz and Justin Lipitz, head teaching assistants for Moneyball Academy and Moneyball Academy: Training Camp (Summer 2022).
- Alex Tolbert: Head instructor. Receiving a PhD in Philosophy from University of Pennsylvania along with his Masters degree in Statistics from The Wharton School. Working with Professor Wyner as a Research Assistant focusing on generating statistical models for basketball tracking data.
- Justin Lipitz: Justin is a rising senior at the Wharton School studying statistics and behavioral economics. Working as head TA for Moneyball Academy and Moneyball Academy: Training Camp, Summer 2022
- Zeke Kelz: Led the tour with Justin and created the worksheets the students worked on during the lesson. Zeke is a rising Junior studying Computer Science at the School of Engineering. Working as head TA for Moneyball and Moneyball Academy: Training Camp, Summer 2022
Congratulations to Krish Veluthakkal and Jasmine Rodriguez, representing the Golden State Warriors, for claiming the National Championship title, to Edward McLellan (Seattle Storm) and Jude Hedeen (Portland Trail Blazers) for their runner-up finish, and to all the award winners and participants in this year’s amazing event!
Read more about the event, including a full list of attendees: Learn Fresh Announces 2022 NBA Math Hoops National Championship Student Selections
Learn Fresh Press Release: Students, Sportsmanship Shine at 2022 NBA Math Hoops National Championship