Marshelle SandersOn Thursday, December 4th, fifteen students from Galileo Scholastic Academy received the holiday surprise of a lifetime as they stepped inside the United Center Atrium, not as spectators, but as competitors, preparing to challenge their favorite Chicago Bulls players in NBA 2K26.
The exclusive event brought students up close with the entire Bulls roster as part of the team’s annual Season of Giving, an initiative dedicated to spreading joy, support, and inspiration across Chicago communities.
Before the gaming began, the students, all members of their school’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, were invited to watch a live Bulls practice at the Advocate Center.
For many, it was their first time seeing professional athletes train in person, and the excitement only grew as they crossed the street for what would become a complete holiday experience: music, gaming stations, surprises, and one-on-one time with NBA pros.
Meeting Students Where They Are
According to Adrienne Scherenzel, Vice President of Community Engagement for the Chicago Bulls, the event was designed to blend fun with meaningful impact.
“We chose Galileo because it’s close to the United Center, but also because several of their students are active in basketball,” Scherenzel said. “We’ve done basketball clinics here the last two years and wanted to switch things up—not just for the kids, but for the players too. Video games are near and dear to them, and of course to many young people.”
She added that while video games aren’t typically part of the Bulls’ community programming, the goal is always to engage youth in ways that matter.
“It’s about meeting youth where they are. Technology is a huge part of their world, and we want to connect with them in ways they enjoy.”
Students were thrilled when they learned they would be paired with actual Bulls players for NBA 2K26.
“They were like, ‘Oh my God, I’m playing a video game with a real player?’” Scherenzel laughed. “I already know they’re going to be glued to NBA 2K over the holidays.”
More Than a Game: Inspiring What’s Possible
For Scherenzel and the Bulls’ Community Engagement team, the event’s purpose extends beyond holiday fun.
“We chose members of the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams intentionally,” she said. “We wanted them to see players not just as stars, but as real people, people they can relate to. If it gives them joy or motivation going into the new year, we’ve done our job.”
This year’s Season of Giving includes 20 events, ranging from school visits to family support programs. Last year, the Bulls reached more than 1,300 youth across 17 events, partnering with over 34 community groups citywide.
“It keeps growing,” Scherenzel said. “We meet with players as early as summer to hear their ideas and passions. They bring ideas to us, we bring ideas to them, and we create experiences that really mean something.”
A Celebration to Remember
Inside the atrium, gaming chairs, monitors, and controllers created a festive arena as students took their seats beside Bulls players.
Laughter and playful trash talk echoed through the space as kids and pros battled it out on the virtual court.
And just when the students thought the day couldn’t get any better, they were surprised with Bulls-themed holiday gifts, ending their afternoon with smiles and memories they’ll carry long after the holidays.
Jevon Carter Closes the Day With Maywood Pride and Competitive Fire
Here’s a clean, polished rewrite that keeps the heart, humor, and energy of Jevon Carter’s comments:
Chicago Bulls guard Jevon Carter, a proud Maywood, IL native, brought both heart and humor to the celebration. When asked what participating in the Bulls’ Season of Giving meant to him, he didn’t hesitate.
“It means a lot. Being in a position to give back, that’s one of the most important parts of our job,” Carter said. “We’re here to bless other people and help build our community.”
For Carter, who grew up playing video games long before he ever stepped foot in the NBA, the event held a special meaning.
“I’ve been playing 2K since it first came out when I was a kid,” he shared. “To see these kids come out and play with us, man, that’s something I wish I could’ve done at their age.”
When asked about his favorite moment of the day, Carter didn’t miss a beat, saying the intensity was his favorite part, and when pressed on whether he planned to go easy on the kids, he just laughed and said, “No, I’m confident in my 2K game. I wasn’t going easy on them, no way.”
To all family members of the students, if you are looking for them on Christmas Day, they’re probably somewhere in the house playing NBA 2K26. It was a perfect close to an afternoon that spotlighted Chicago’s youth, community pride, and the joy that comes when players give back, controller in hand.
