The 2026 The One Global Final concluded over the weekend in Shanghai’s North Bund, marking the first time the one-on-one youth basketball tournament hosted its global final in the city. The event drew 16 of the world’s top young basketball players competing for individual titles.
In the men’s final, New York regional champion Jalen Mehu secured the championship with a decisive 17-5 victory over China’s Gong Juntong, the country’s first-ever finalist in the tournament. In the women’s category, Madrid’s Aina Hinojosa claimed the title by defeating France’s Racky Camara 17-9. China was represented by four players in total, including Gong.
Among the Chinese competitors was 17-year-old Wu Yufang from Huipu High School, the Greater China regional men’s champion. Wu set a personal goal of reaching the top four while aiming for the title, emphasizing grit as his defining quality on the international stage. He noted that competing against international champions provided valuable exposure to diverse basketball styles and philosophies.
Two-time Greater China women’s champion Li Chaoran, who currently trains in Canada, highlighted differences between youth basketball in China and abroad. She observed that Chinese players often focus on a team-oriented approach but lag behind in individual skills such as dribbling, while overseas players tend to exhibit more refined techniques and physical advantages.
Beijing regional men’s champion Lou Jiatong described his competitive style as embodying a David-versus-Goliath mindset, leveraging attitude and speed despite lacking a physical edge, aiming to inspire other smaller players.
The event attracted notable NBA players Jayson Tatum, Paolo Banchero, Stephon Castle, and Jared McCain, who visited Shanghai as mentors. During their visit, they participated in training camps, player breakfasts, and the awards ceremony while engaging with local basketball culture. Banchero, on his second visit, remarked on the city's palpable enthusiasm for basketball, noting the sport’s deep roots visible through active street courts and public interest. McCain, experiencing Asia for the first time, expressed admiration for the local fans’ passion and hospitality. Castle added that being around talented young players in a basketball-loving city was inspirational.
During the mentorship sessions, NBA stars offered advice and shared insights. Tatum spoke about the importance of inspiring the next generation and expressed a wish to have had similar global exposure at a younger age. McCain emphasized the mental discipline needed for one-on-one competition and praised the intensity and effort of young Chinese players. Castle encouraged participants to maintain confidence and dedication in their development.
Concurrent with The One Global Final, the NBA Shanghai Basketball Festival featured two exhibition games between the NBA G League United and the Shanghai Sharks. The U.S.-based G League team won both games, 96-84 and 113-73 respectively. Additional activities included international youth invitational tournaments, a citywide fan carnival, and charitable basketball camps welcoming local students. Basketball icons such as Yao Ming, Luis Scola, and Derrick Rose also made appearances during the festival, enhancing the event’s prominence.