The University of Michigan – Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI, JI hereafter) men’s basketball team claimed its first-ever championship title in the 2024 SJTU “Freshman Cup” tournament that ended on December 14.
The “Freshman Cup” is a university-wide sports event that invites participation from undergraduate and graduate students across SJTU. This year’s basketball tournament featured 22 teams, making the competition exceptionally intense.
Onsite photos of the final match
Over the course of nearly two months, the JI team, comprising students from Classes 2401 and 2409, demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience. The team advanced from the group stage by defeating teams from the School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering and continued their winning streak in the knockout rounds. Key victories included overcoming the Design School in the Round of 16, Zhiyuan College in the quarterfinals, and Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering in the semifinals.
In the championship match, the JI team secured a hard-fought victory against the College of Medicine Classes 2401 and 2410 team with precise coordination and tactical execution. Players credited their coaches, faculty, and supporters for providing guidance and encouragement throughout the tournament.
This milestone victory highlights the Joint Institute’s dedication to both academic and athletic excellence, inspiring future students to strive for success on and off the court.
Group photo of the JI championship team
