Analytics do more than prove what we already know. Whether it's Dean Oliver's Basketball on Paper or Michael Lewis's Moneyball, analytics impact the way we think about and watch sports.
Because coaches seeks sustainable competitive advantage, look for low-hanging fruit among:
1) net differential shooting percentage
2) turnovers
3) rebounding
4) free throws
Squared2020.com put it succinctly:
SCORE Everyone should know what the team considers quality shots. Movement without the ball, screening (the screener is the second cutter), and on time, on target passing are vital components of scoring. The ability not only to score but set up scoring is the ‘sine qua non’ for offensive players.
Defenders disrupt opponents intent beginning with transition, continuing with keeping the ball in front of them, contest without fouling and get at least 75 percent of defensive rebounds.
PROTECT Value the ball. Know whether decisions or execution cause turnovers. Tracking reduces turnovers as players realize unacceptable play.
Defensively deflections, contesting shots without fouling, altered shots, and steals frustrate opponents. Live ball turnovers bleed into offense with the added value of higher points per possession.
CRASH Rebounds literally end opponents’ possessions or sustain ours. An offensive rebound has a 50 percent chance of scoring and some data shows a third chance an 80 percent chance.
My high school coach intuitively knew this with an emphasis on rebounds and assists.
ATTACK Getting to the rim causes fouls. This gets the highest points per possession shots (free throws) and gets opponents into foul trouble.
Avoiding fouls was a hallmark of Porter Moser’s Loyola of Chicago team. Never foul jump shots, “show your hands” and maintain verticality are key points. I teach, “if it looks like a foul, expect the call” to remind players to defend aggressively but under control.
Lagniappe. Some players have ‘history’ they’d like to forget. Remind them to focus on their present to overcome the past.