SPORTS ANALYTICS has drastically evolved over the years. Gone are the days when watching a video tape is the only method for teams to study and assess the strengths and weaknesses of their foes, as data and analytics are now an important engine.
However this adds a major challenge, since the involvement of data would mean one thing: information overload, as there are a plethora of scenarios and methodologies that teams need to consider.
And to deal with the extreme levels of information, companies have developed ways to ease the burden for teams. Sportradar, a sports technology company based in Europe and with offices located around the world, has developed the Synergy Coaching & Scouting platform, guiding professional teams from around the world.
"The coaching and scouting platform is really the home for the coach, front office official, a manager, a scout, to understand the game or player, to breakdown the game, and have data and analytics to help them better communicate to improve on what they're both doing for their own team and also how they'll prepare for their upcoming opponent," started Ben Turner, Sportradar’s Head of Strategy for Sports Content and Partnerships in APAC in an exclusive with SPIN.ph.
A tool for recruitment
But besides serving as a platform to enhance one's tactical gameplan or analyze their foes, Sportradar's application can also be used as a tool for scouting prospects.
"How do they identify and find players that might fit their team that they can recruit, whether through draft or free agency," revealed Turner.
As of now teams from the National Basketball Association (NBA) and some teams from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) have already listed their services.
Turner is hoping that he could tap more teams in Philippine basketball.
"Synergy has a long history with basketball and baseball globally with the NBA, NBL, and MLB. Closer to home here in the APAC region, this product is used by the NBL, teams in the CBA, B-League, and some teams in the PBA. We'd like a few more PBA teams on board," said Turner.
What makes Synergy Coaching & Scouting standout?
For over 20 years, Sportradar's Synergy Coaching & Scouting platform has been constantly evolving, listening to the feedback from esteemed coaches in the NBA and around the world.
Nowadays it has upgraded its software, harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the mix.
Ben Turner gave a demo of the platform to SPIN.ph, and at the end of the demo, we were left stunned with the level of detail displayed.
While there are websites like Basketball Reference, which are open to the general public, Sportradar's basketball platform showcases data beyond what we see in websites and other public domains.
For example when talking about NBA superstar, Luka Doncic, the general perception is that he is unstoppable with his step back jumpers, and he is a liability on the defensive end.
During the demo with SPIN.ph, Turner showed other advance levels of data and video footage, which highlighted the other aspects of Doncic's playstyle, that are oftentimes overlooked.
Plus he even unveiled graphs showcasing the heat zones of the likes of Doncic and Minnesota Timberwolves player Anthony Edwards.
And there are other databases of professional basketball players from around the world, which includes the Philippines.
Data and analytics are the future
Given how sports analytics has evolved over the years, it seems data and analytics are crucial for teams to deliver the optimal results.
With the help of modern technology and AI, the process of analyzing games have been more streamlined and efficient.
"The synergy product began out of relationships with NBA coaches. 20 years ago, coaches were looking at ways to better break down games. 20 years ago, we were using VHS tapes," reflected Turner.
He added: "Breaking down video is time consuming for coaches and they wanted to use that time to be able to communicate with players, to come up with strategies and techniques to beat the opposition, not necessarily tagging every single field goal made, assist or rebound."
While analytics have revolutionized the modern game of basketball as seen with the Philadelphia 76ers' 'Trust the Process' movement, and the Houston Rocket's obsession with the small ball, there are individuals who remained skeptical about its impact.
"There's still the old school thinking where some would argue that, 'I don't need the data. I know what I'm doing kind of mentality."
A tool to empower coaches and players
But in the modern age of sports, it seems organizations have been more invested to coaches and individuals who accept the current meta.
"I actually think that the ability of a coach or a player or a manager now is to understand that being data literate is a pre-requisite for any coach who wants to break into the next level," reiterated Turner.
Turner even gave an example, citing Jacob Chance.
"Australia has a young coach who spends some time with the Perth Wildcats, the Tazmanian JackJumpers, and is now the assistant coach for Melbourne United, Jacob Chance."
"He has been the video and analytics coordinator for the Australian Boomers for the past couple of years. He just got the call up to coach Australia for the upcoming FIBA window, and he has come from a data and analytics background," highlighted Turner.
"And that is the next generation of coaches who are going to be getting the head coach's job as teams look for which coaches who can take their teams to the next level, and Synergy helps power that next level of coaches."
But the changes do not just happen in the coaching level as even professional players have also embraced the role of technology.
"The modern player has that expectation now. They want to engage in video, they want to understand their game and they want you to show them how they're performing and how they can improve, especially professionals because their next contract might depend on it."
With the power of Synergy, coaches can break down 10 clips into 30 second clips that highlight defensive lapses or other plays that are worth emphasizing.
Given its prowess, this is definitely a tool that can shape Philippine basketball.
"We think that Synergy Coaching and Scouting is really a tool to empower a conversation between a coach and a player," emphasized Turner.
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