Advice for someone new to this field?

[dec]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this forum, but let me introduce myself. I am a freshman in college, who is majoring in statistical sciences. I've also been an avid basketball fan since I can remember. I learned about advanced metrics a few years ago, and I've been enthralled ever since. Deciding to combine the two things I love, I have volunteered to be a statistical analyst for the mens basketball team here. The only issue is, they've never had somebody do this before, and I've never been in charge of such a large task. I guess the real problem is that I don't know exactly what I'm looking for. What I was wondering is, if anyone here could give me advice on some of the things I should keep track of when I go through box scores/game film. Things such as true shooting percentage, efficiency from certain lineups, how a team fares with starting plays going to the left compared to going to the right, etc... anything really, I don't have a clue to start. If anyone also has an excel template for recording these stats, that would be incredible.

[Crow]

There are at least a few threads started by others in similar situations. I'd search for and read them, the stuff in the good read section and virtually anything here or at the couple dozen good analytic sites.

What's most important? Shooting success. Shot selection. Getting to line. Shot defense. Changes / retention of possessions.

Don't rush out half thought out findings and recommendations. Try if possible to get first 20% of season to just research, analyze, think what is important, what is easiest to change. Identify others doing this (outside direct competition) and try to make friends / get tips.

Best advice for a newbie is probably try to make friends / ingratiate with the knowledgeable and powerful. Perceived "Biting at their ankles" is not such a great strategy, despite one gm's call for / lament of lack of strong minded, quality contrary feedback.

Lead with praise for what they are doing right. Gauge how much they are wiling to face the bad. Instead of saying a choice is bad or wrong, ask them if THEY it might be worth trying something different, just to see what THEY think is best going forward.

[BigLeagueInsights]

Adding on to what Crow said, talk to the coaching staff, starting with the head coach. Let him know you're available for statistical work and ask him for suggestions on what would be helpful.

The other suggestion would just be to read a lot. I think Dean Oliver's "Basketball on Paper" is a good starting point.

[Hoopalytics]

I work with college coaching staffs, happy to answer any questions you have. Email is hoopalytics@gmail.com

[Crow]

Did he contact you?

[Hoopalytics]

No, not yet.

[Crow]

Oh well.