Solving Basketball

Seth Partnow, NBA Analyst for The Athletic, joins the podcast for episode 34. Seth is in the middle of a series of articles on how the style of play in the NBA has changed over time. We discussed the findings from his research, the type of data used to quantify style of play, and similarities and differences between the NBA and college basketball. For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Stephen Gentry, assistant coach at Illinois, joins the podcast for episode 33. This season, Illinois drastically changed their style and scheme on both the offensive and defensive side of the floor. We discussed the offensive changes from the Spread offense to ball screens and from pressure/deny defense to pack line -- including how data and analytics played a role in the decision making process. For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Todd Golden, head coach of San Francisco, joins the podcast for episode 32. In Todd's first year as head coach, the Dons have been using math/probability for unconventional in-game strategy. We discussed the decision making process: The math behind the specific strategy, communicating it to players, and committing to the strategy over the long haul. For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Fran Fraschilla, basketball analyst for ESPN, joins the podcast for episode 31. We discussed Fran's teams at Manhattan, St. John's, and New Mexico and how the game has trended X's and O's wise since then -- including the origins of Continuity Ball Screen and the Princeton. We also talked about the emergence of analytics and how Fran prepares for his TV games. For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

John Ezekowitz, a former analytics consultant for the Phoenix Suns, joins the podcast for episode 30. We discussed John's work experience with the Suns and a variety of basketball analytics topics: Intentional fouls against poor shooters, foul or defend up 3, the hot hand, momentum going into OT, and predicting the NCAA tournament. For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Baker Dunleavy, head coach at Quinnipiac, joins the podcast for episode 29. Last season, Quinnipiac ranked top 5 in shot selection with 88% of halfcourt shots coming at the basket or from three. We discussed the different ways that shot selection was achieved. Including: Recruiting shooters, spacing/X's & O's, and educating players. The HV+ shot selection article can be found at the following link: https://hoopvision.substack.com/p/why-the-best-teams-dont-take-the Follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Edgar Walker joins the podcast for a different type of Solving Basketball episode. Edgar has been helping me behind the scenes for several months now with turning Hoop Vision into a sustainable business. In this episode, we discuss the story and business strategy behind Hoop Vision and why we decided to launch Hoop Vision Plus -- a paid newsletter now available at HoopVisionHQ.com. For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Luke Yaklich, associate head coach at Texas, joins the podcast for episode 27. We discussed all things defense. The similarities and differences between college and the NBA, guarding the 3-point line vs Villanova, ball screen coverage, Texas Tech's no middle, measuring your defense, and communicating with players. For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Jon Scheyer, associate head coach at Duke, joins the podcast for episode 26. We discussed the evolution of Duke's scheme going back to Jon's national championship team in 2010 to now, the scouting decision to switch everything against Virginia's Blocker-Mover offense, and analytics. For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Jonathan Safir, director of basketball operations at San Francisco, joins the podcast for episode 25. Jonathan coached against Gonzaga twice this season in WCC play, so we went in depth about scouting the Zags and some of USF's points of emphasis when preparing for them.  For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Gibson Pyper, assistant coach at Cary Academy, re-joins for episode 24. The episode features an in-depth discussion of the x's and o's behind this weekend's Michigan-Michigan State game. Michigan State's offense without Nick Ward, Michigan's response to Michigan State's switches, and much more. For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Adrian Atkinson joins for episode #23. Adrian is a data scientist by trade who also happens to cover UNC basketball by combining both X's and O's and data. Some topics: The process for offensive and defensive team charting, Carolina's famous secondary break, the fit of Nassir Little, automated scouting reports, and more. For more info on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Geoff Grammer, Sports Reporter for the Albuquerque Journal, joins for #22. The episode centers around CBB coverage and reporting. Some topics: How Geoff's news and crime background relates to basketball, using analytics in local media coverage, the NMSU and UNM rivalry dynamic, off the court athletic department reporting, and #drink. For more info on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Dave Klatsky, assistant coach at Colgate, joins for #21. The episode centers around the data and coaching around shot selection. Some topics: Dave's expected points charting, the value of post-ups, and statistical variance in basketball. For more info on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Gibson Pyper, assistant coach at Cary Academy, re-joins for episode 20. The episode features an in-depth discussion of the x's and o's behind this weekend's Duke-Virginia game. We discuss the contrasting styles of the two teams, the adjustments made by the coaches, and much more. For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.