Basketball Analytics Helping Players Grow in New and Exciting Ways
By: Dylan Tehada
Technology and basketball are both constantly evolving, changing in new and exciting ways. One of the cutting-edge innovations in hoops recently has been leveraging data analytics to give teams and players an upper hand. Data analysis can be used in a plethora of ways from game planning against a certain opponent, to player development coaching, and so much more. As data analytics platforms continue to be pumped out, teams and players have a wide array of tools at their disposal that can enhance their game in unprecedented ways.
In sports, there are many nuances and patterns that are difficult to perceive but impact the game in profound ways. Ever since data analytics has been in the fold for basketball players and coaches, new metrics and statistics have been introduced and become staples to team and player strategy. The value of data analytics and the evolving technology that has been developed in recent years is the ability to transform what was once difficult to quantify into tangible metrics that have direct correlation to individual and team success.
Syracuse University’s Eugene Tulyagijja is one of the behind the scenes contributors that is utilizing data and analytics in new innovative ways. Tulyagijja studies Sports Analytics and is currently working with the Men’s Basketball team to help integrate analytics into their coaching and scouting initiatives. His experience as both a student and a member of the coaching staff has taught him how integral analytics is to the future of the game.
“Analytics is a valuable tool for coaches and players, offering a quantifiable way to validate observations or present new insights beyond what the eye can see. In scouting, it provides context on what to expect from opponents, enhancing game preparation,” Tulyagijja said.
Analytics has become a staple at the highest level of hoops as statisticians and sports analysts lean on these data platforms to develop strategies for the organization. While team-oriented analytics and scouting have become common knowledge, one specific use case for data that is often overlooked is how data analytics is conducive to individual player development.
Basketball is a game full of little nuances and strategies that can make or break an athlete’s development especially at the highest levels, and data analytics plays a key role in helping athletes build on their strengths and also attack the areas of growth. There are metrics that measure how effective certain play types are or how efficient a certain shot is, which can be used to help inform athletes which spots to get to in a game and allow them to focus on what they do best. Overall, these metrics allow coaches and players to develop a strategic plan catered towards individual, personalized development.
“For player development, analytics helps to identify areas needing improvement, allowing for targeted workout plans. By analyzing where the numbers are low, reviewing game film, and understanding the underlying causes, coaches can create structured plans to address those specific areas,” Tulyagijja stated.
While basketball analytics has boomed in recent years, the evolution of these platforms has just begun. New technologies are being developed each and every day that offer teams and players to gain a competitive advantage. While all these technologies may not have been developed for sports in particular, there have been many examples of how certain platforms can be leveraged for teams and their athletes. More data allows for more analysis and the focus of emerging technologies in sports has been how players and coaches can have access to more insightful data.
“Advanced statistics are rapidly gaining traction. The use of computers and technology to track and analyze players has made data collection easier and more efficient, benefiting everyone involved in the process,” Tulyagijja said.
