The story behind NHBT.
The National Hillel Basketball Tournament is an annual, student-run gathering for Jewish college students. Basketball brings students together; the weekend gives them time to connect across campuses.
Basketball with a wider purpose.
NHBT is the largest Jewish collegiate basketball tournament. Students represent their schools through real competition, teamwork, and school pride, while sharing a weekend with Jewish peers from other campuses.
The purpose reaches beyond the games: helping students build friendships, feel part of the Jewish community, and grow more confident in their Jewish identity. Students of all Jewish backgrounds should see themselves in that story, including those with little previous involvement in Jewish life.
During a challenging time for Jewish students, including growing antisemitism, NHBT aims to be a setting for connection, Jewish pride, and joy. The story is about the people who gather and the community they create together.
Built by students.
University of Maryland students lead NHBT from the first planning conversations through the final games. Their work includes budgeting, recruitment, social media, merchandise, logistics, and staffing the weekend.
NHBT is entirely student-run, with Hillel staff supporting communication and budget management. Each student board carries the tournament forward for the next group of participants.
The 2027 board roster and roles will be shared when confirmed.
Visit the Board Directory
A tradition since 2011.
The first National Hillel Basketball Tournament took place in 2011. Since then, successive groups of student leaders have continued the tradition of bringing Jewish college students together through basketball.
The University of Maryland in College Park is NHBT’s recurring host setting.
The next tournament dates are April 1–4, 2027.
Archival photograph by NHBT, via Mitzpeh. Pictured: the inaugural board in 2011.
A championship in every tier.
Friday seeding games establish rankings. Teams are then grouped into tiers, and every team enters a championship bracket within its tier. Bracket games take place Saturday night and Sunday, with a champion in each tier.
This format keeps competition central to the weekend while giving teams a bracket to play for. The detailed 2027 schedule and rules will be announced as they are confirmed.
Read the first-time guide