Inspiring the Next Generation Through Basketball, STEM and Education

The Adelaide 36ers Math Hoops Program combines the excitement of basketball with innovative STEM learning experiences to help students build confidence in mathematics, teamwork and problem solving.

Delivered in partnership with Learn Fresh and supported by educators and community partners, NBA Math Hoops provides a fun, engaging and curriculum-aligned learning experience for students across South Australia and Northern Territory.

Register your school | community@adelaide36ers.com

AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM MAP

About the program

What is NBA Math Hoops?

NBA Math Hoops is an educational program that combines the thrill of basketball with mathematics, statistics and teamwork.

Students participate in basketball-themed games, classroom activities and interactive challenges designed to improve maths fluency, social-emotional learning and student engagement.

The program includes:

• Physical and digital basketball-themed games
• Classroom curriculum and lesson plans
• Team-based learning experiences
• Community events and competitions
• Opportunities for student leadership and engagement

Designed for students in Years 4–8, the program is adaptable to a range of learning environments and is available at no cost to educators across South Australia thanks to corporate and community partnerships.

A randomised controlled trial study completed in 2025 showed that students who completed 17-24 hours of NBA Math Hoops programming gained 4-5 months of learning on content covered in the program.

About Learn Fresh

Learn Fresh is a nonprofit organisation that empowers students and educators through innovative STEM learning experiences built around sports and entertainment. To date, Learn Fresh programs have reached over 1.7 million students across six continents.

Students who participate in Learn Fresh programs discover a new way of learning that is:

• Fun and highly engaging
• Connected to real-world experiences
• Focused on academic and social development

Learn Fresh programs have been rigorously evaluated and shown to improve students’ understanding of mathematics and statistics when used alongside core maths instruction.

How the Program Works

Preseason Training

Educators participate in in-person and virtual training delivered by Learn Fresh and MASA to prepare for the NBA Math Hoops season.

Sportsmanship Contracts

Students begin the program by signing a sportsmanship contract that reinforces teamwork, respect and shared values.

Player Draft

Students work in teams to draft real NBA and WNBA players using statistics to make informed decisions.

Practice & Learning

Students complete a 10-lesson curriculum focused on:

• Mathematics fluency
• Statistics
• Problem solving
• Social-emotional learning
• Teamwork and communication

Gameplay

Students compete in NBA Math Hoops games using both physical and digital formats. Educators also receive NBA Math Hoops board games following training completion.

Regional Tournament

Participating schools are invited to attend the Adelaide regional championship event held annually in September.

Global Championship Opportunity

Each year, one Australian student is selected to attend the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship at the NBA Draft in New York City — a unique STEM, sport and cultural experience.

Program Outcomes

The Adelaide 36ers Math Hoops Program aims to:

• Improve confidence and fluency in mathematics
• Increase student engagement in learning
• Build teamwork and leadership skills
• Support critical thinking and problem solving
• Connect education with real-world experiences
• Inspire future pathways in STEM and education

Who Can Participate?

The program is suitable for:

• Students in Years 4–8
• Primary and middle schools
• Metropolitan and regional schools
• Community and youth organisations
• STEM and wellbeing initiatives

Bring Adelaide 36ers Math Hoops to Your School

Join schools across South Australia and Northern Territory using basketball to inspire learning, engagement and opportunity.

Register your interest | community@adelaide36ers.com

For further information:
mnoye@adelaide36ers.com
0423 511 647