Thursday, January 18, 2024

Basketball: Perceptive Analysis

"Perceptive analysis." Mohamed El-Erian, President of Queens College,  earned honors in economics for "perceptive analysis of changes in economic and financial systems." 

The game rewards coaches for perceptive analysis of changes in the game and the surrounding landscape. Elaborate. 

Talent acquisition and development

Acquiring players off the AAU circuit for Prep and Private schools has become fashionable. "They are part of a growing trend of star girls’ basketball players whose preferred destination is the NEPSAC rather than a Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association school." Coaches and programs in the Prep world get left behind if they aren't aggressive in finding talent. And Preps are now poaching the privates. 

Developing players in the offseason has become a viable opportunity for selected coaches. Ted Cottrell operates UniversalBasketballTraining. Ted played for Coach John Calipari at UMASS and has a great fund of basketball knowledge. I have watched some of his practices which emphasize uptempo basketball, fundamental excellence, and teamwork. He also helped train top area players including Cecilia Kay (Boston Herald Dream Teamer). He's not only an excellent coach but a good guy. 

Rules changes 

With five fouls before the bonus each quarter in high school, aggressive play is rewarded and fewer free throws are taken. If the officials are not blowing the whistle, that further leverages aggression. If you haven't taken some fouls, it may also impair your "comeback game" including strategic fouling. 

Analytics

The three-point shot didn't occur in the NBA until 1979 but has revolutionized the game. The Championship 1981-1982 Lakers made 13 three pointers for the season. In 2018, Klay Thompson made 14 in a game and three players have made 13. 

The Celtics lead the NBA in made three-pointers per game at 16. OKC has the highest percentage at 39.7%. 

The percentage of NBA shots taken as threes has steadily risen 


"There are three kinds of lies - lies, damned lies, and statistics." - Mark Twain

There's a cautionary tale about statistics. NBA shooting statistics don't often translate to lower levels. Nor should they. I recently watched a team beat a girls high school defending champion 46-44. The winners made NO three-point shots. 

Before the three-point shot or shot clock in high school, we played a team in the postseason that had won 18 straight. We won 58-38, in part by controlling tempo and shooting 23-42 from the field. 

Self-awareness

Coaching isn't the same at every level. Coach to the level of our players. In a developmental program, develop. Build skill. Offer extra chances to build skill. Don't think the NBA and sixth grade is the same. Be positive. Be realistic. Don't sacrifice children on the altar of victory. "Never be a child's last coach." 

Compensation 

Players have new opportunities with the advent of NIL. That mandates 'standards' associated with branding. 

  • Standards includes character, leadership, and performance.
  • Bring the best version of yourself every day. 
  • Sara Blakely says, "obsess the product." Because you are the product, that means you. "Make it. Sell it. Build brand awareness." 
Lagniappe. Skill progression...all practice is not equal.


Lagniappe 2. Praise or sarcasm? 

Lagniappe 3. Advantages for top rebounding teams. "Stops make runs." Click through to see all six. 

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