Solving Basketball (Jordan Sperber)

Ken Pomeroy returns for episode 41. We went back through last season to discuss some of the statistical effects of the covid season on home-court advantage, scheduling, and the blue bloods. We also discussed UCLA and the Pac-12's NCAA Tournament success and Baylor's national championship.

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! To learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly, click/tap this link.

For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Jesse Bopp, assistant coach at FIU, joins for #12. The episode revolves around 3 topics: 1) Analytics vs Eye Test in evaluating recruits. We talked about a real debate from working together at NMSU about a recruit 2) FIU's style of play. In their 1st year on the job, they rank #2 in the country in pace. 3) Ball screen defense. We got technical on the pros/cons of coverages and what NCAA coaches do relative to NBA.

For more info on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Jeff Goodman, Basketball Analyst at Stadium, joins for #19. The episode includes plenty of analytics discussion - with Jeff switching roles at the end to ask Jordan some questions. But also: Jeff's pick-up scouting report, the process to interviewing head coaches on podcasts, the current CBB media landscape, and much 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.

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.

Sam Vecenie, Senior Writer for The Athletic, joins for episode #16. Similar to episode #9, this episode is based around a draft. Sam and I drafted and discussed our top players in college basketball this season that are currently outside of Sam's top 100 NBA draft prospects.

For more info 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

For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Ken Pomeroy joins the podcast again for episode 55. This time, we opened up the episode to audience questions. The mailbag-style podcast includes a variety of topics about Ken's rankings and basketball analytics in general.

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit hudl.com/hoopvision to learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly.

For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Ken Pomeroy joins the podcast again for episode 45. This time, we opened up the episode to audience questions. The mailbag-style podcast includes a variety of different topics about the current season and basketball analytics in general.

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! To learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly, click/tap this link.

For more 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.

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.

Ryan Saunders joins the podcast for episode 47. Full description to come later today.

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! To learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly, click/tap this link.

For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, 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.

The number one question we've received since starting the podcast is: "How do I get started working for a college basketball team?" In this episode, we answered that question. The pod starts with Jordan's personal story from starting a blog to being hired by Nevada and NMSU. Then Rafi Goldman (graduate assistant at Tulane University) and Justin Tabor (assistant coach at Coffeyville Community College) joined to talk about their experiences as D1 student managers and their respective career paths.

For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Eric Shapiro joins the podcast for episode #54. We broke down the X's and O's from yesterday's Michigan-Kentucky game. Plus, we discussed two-foul participation and the "auto-bench".

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit hudl.com/hoopvision to learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly.

For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Rob Dauster, Lead Writer and Managing Editor for College Basketball Talk, joins the podcast for episode six. Topics covered include: Transitioning from D3 player to blogger to national writer, pick-up scouting reports for other national writers, skill ball vs small ball, #DausterMath, and a deep dive (starting at 24:00) into both Kentucky and Duke before their big opening night matchup.

For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Andy Schmitt, director of basketball operations at North Texas, joins for #14. The episode looks at the role of the "ops guy" on staff with a behind the scenes look at the logistics that go into a college basketball road trip. We also discussed in-game responsibilities and different stats that we have charted during games.

For more info on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Eric Musselman, head coach at Nevada, joins for #18. Topics include: The use of stats by coaches long before the "analytics movement", communicating stats with players, the recent trend to more switching, Nevada basketball philosophy, and the impact of grad assistants.

For more info on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Ken Pomeroy joins the podcast again for episode 58. We covered a variety of topics: The utility of plus-minus, three-point defense, Penn State's extreme four factors, the strength (or lack thereof) of the ACC, and more.

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit hudl.com/hoopvision to learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly.

For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Kory Alford, UCLA men's basketball video and analytics coordinator, joins Jordan for episode two. Topics covered include: Kory's transition from a player to an analytics role, communicating analytics with coaches (including his dad) and players, UCLA and Lonzo Ball's historic 2017 offensive season, Thomas Welsh's three-point shooting development, in-game strategy, and more.

For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

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.

Gibson Pyper, assistant coach at Cary Academy, joins for episode nine. The episode is based around the following scenario: In April, the NCAA switches rosters and randomly assigns players to each school. Coaches have until November to implement their styles in their new players. Given that hypothetical, Gibson and I each drafted our top 5 coaches -- with in depth x's and o's talk on those coaches.

For more information 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.

Zak Boisvert, assistant coach at Army, joins the podcast for episode eight. A week ago, Army played Duke at Cameron Indoor immediately following Duke's 34-point demolition of Kentucky. Zak went into detail on the scout and gameplan for that game vs. Duke -- as well as his general scouting framework.

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.

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.

Kevin Sweeney joins the podcast for episode #56. We discussed how Kevin went from a high school blogger to Sports Illustrated writer, talking to coaches on the record vs off the record, the Texas job opening, and more.

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit hudl.com/hoopvision to learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly.

For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Ben Falk, owner of Cleaning the Glass, joins the podcast for episode 37. After years of working in NBA front offices, Ben is currently a high school basketball coach. We discussed his coaching style and the differences between high school, college, and the NBA.

Ben and Gibson Pyper's X's & O's course: https://www.learn-basketball.com/

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.

Reggie Witherspoon, head coach of Canisius, joins the podcast for episode 36.

Witherspoon is the "godfather" of the Continuity Ball Screen offense now run by many different teams. We discussed the origins of his offense, how it has evolved from early on during his time at Buffalo to now, and other top teams (Virginia, Dayton, etc) using it.

For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Ken Pomeroy and Jonathan Safir return to the podcast for episode #35. They recently published an article: "The guide to fouling when leading (or tied)."

We discussed the findings from that article, whether or not more coaches will actually choose to implement the strategy, and how Ken's rankings (and the NCAA selection process) would look if there are no non-conference games this season.

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.

Jordan Caroline, a senior forward for Nevada basketball, joins the podcast for episode four. Topics covered include: Playing in high school with Ben Simmons and D'Angelo Russell, transferring from Southern Illinois to Nevada, the Scout Team, developing his three-point shot, defending Mo Bamba in the NCAA tournament, this year's loaded Nevada team, and more.

For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Kyle Smith, head coach of the University of San Francisco Dons, joins the podcast for episode seven. The three main topics covered were: 1) Recruiting. We went in depth on recruiting inefficiencies at various school -- Saint Mary's, Michigan, San Francisco, New Mexico State, etc. 2) Coaching the Princeton Offense. We talked about why the offense is still so popular today and different ways to tweak it based on personnel. 3) Coach Smith's Hustle Stats. A player efficiency system the staff uses at USF to incentivize what's important to them and to decide playing time.

For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

This episode revolves around the supposed "transfer epidemic". The pod includes a conversation with Leland King. Leland started his career at Brown before transferring to Nevada and then UCSB. We talked about the circumstances behind that and advice Leland would have for others. I also gave background on why so many transfer and looked at the NCAA's transfer data to get a better picture of what's really happening.

For more info on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Gibson Pyper joins the podcast for episode #50. We compared and contrasted the style of play and X's & O's of basketball at all of the different levels -- NBA, EuroLeague, NCAA, and high school.

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit hudl.com/hoopvision To learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly.

For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Robbie Hummel joins the podcast for episode #57. We discussed how Robbie prepares for his TV broadcasts, how Matt Painter has changed offensively over the past decade, and the strategy behind 3-on-3 basketball.

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit hudl.com/hoopvision to learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly.

For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Bellarmine head coach Scott Davenport joins the podcast for episode #49. We discuss Bellarmine's unique offensive style that relies on off-ball cutting and passing.

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit hudl.com/hoopvision To learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly.

For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Bart Torvik, creator of barttorvik.com, joins for episode #17. We got geeky about using analytics to evaluate the impact of specific players (like Duke without Tre Jones) and to rank teams. We also discussed what Bart has learned in his attempt to reverse-engineer the NET rankings so far this season and ended the episode with some fun examples of statistical oddities.

For more info on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Niko Medved, head coach of Colorado State, joins the podcast for episode 43. His team is off to an undefeated 9-0 start with one of the most efficient offenses in the country. In this episode, we went in depth on the X's & O's and stats behind Medved's offensive scheme.

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! To learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly, click/tap this link.

For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Will Wade joins the podcast for episode #51. We talked about LSU's "switch everything" scheme that produced the sixth best defensive efficiency in the country last season.

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit hudl.com/hoopvision to learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly.

For more 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.

Jesse Newell, a KU beat writer for the Kansas City Star, joins for episode 11. The episode is about Jesse's job as a beat writer and how he incorporates analytics and X's and O's into his writing. We also talk about the relationship between head coaches and beat/national writers and whether or not coaches read articles about their teams/opponents.

For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Kim English, head coach of George Mason, joins the podcast for episode 39. We discussed player relationships as an assistant coach compared to as a head coach, press conferences and coach speak, analytics and shot selection, and Kim's relationship with former 76ers GM Sam Hinkie.

Solving Basketball is now presented by Hudl! Link to the Hoop Vision newsletter: https://hoopvision.substack.com/

For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

In the opening episode, Ken Pomeroy comes on as "Coach Pomeroy" to build out his coaching philosophy as if he was running a Division 1 program. Some topics discussed include: Recruiting, Style of Play, Scheduling, Scouting, In-Game Strategy, and Post-Game Stats.

For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Mike Couzens, play-by-play broadcaster for ESPN, joins the podcast for episode 44. He discussed the behind the scenes of preparing for a game, his relationships with coaches, and the use of advanced stats within a broadcast.

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! To learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly, click/tap this link.

For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Ken Pomeroy joins the podcast for episode #52. We talked about: Ken's preseason rankings compared to the AP poll, the WAC's new solution to conference tourney seeding, 24 versus 30 second shot clock, and NCAA tournament expansion.

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit hudl.com/hoopvision to learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly.

For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Paul Mills, head coach of Oral Roberts, joins the podcast for episode 38. We discussed last season's March Madness run, the details of ORU’s spread pick and roll offense, grading post-game film, the intentional foul strategy used in the 2nd round win over Florida, and more.

Solving Basketball is now presented by Hudl! Link to the presentation mentioned in the intro: https://vimeo.com/286301686

For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Jason Lisk of PoolGenius joins the podcast for episode 59. We discussed all things bracket strategy. How to best maximize your chances of winning a bracket pool by balancing value and risk. We also went region-by-region through the 2023 bracket.

The 2023 PoolGenius bracket optimizer is here: https://www.poolgenius.com/ncaa-bracket-picks/?trk=af_hv_mm23_podnotes

HoopVision viewers can get discounts of 10-55% here: https://www.poolgenius.com/hoopvision-discount/?trk=af_hv_mm23_podnotes

Read a WIRED feature on the bracket optimizer: https://www.wired.com/story/the-key-to-the-perfect-march-madness-bracket-evolution

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit hudl.com/hoopvision to learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly.

For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Matt Pennie joins the podcast for episode 46. Matt is deeply entrenched in AAU grassroots basketball and runs a scouting service for college coaches. In the episode, we cover all things scouting and player evaluation. At the end, we discuss specific players like Jaden Ivey, Chet Holmgren, Max Abmas, and more.

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! To learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly, click/tap this link.

For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Ken Pomeroy joins the podcast for episode 48.

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! To learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly, click/tap this link.

For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Chris Jans, the head coach of New Mexico State men's basketball, joins Jordan for episode three. Topics covered include: The 1998 NJCAA national title and how Jans' coaching style has evolved since, Wichita State stories from the Final 4 run, the use of analytics in Jans' program, coaching and emphasizing rebounding, "Jans-isms", and more.

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 changes from the Spread offense to ball screens and from pressure/deny defense to pack line -- including how data played a role in the decision making process.

For more information on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Casey McGraw, head coach of Elmira College, joins the podcast for episode 40. Growing up, Casey was my high school and AAU teammate. In this episode, we reminisced over our playing days and early experiences as coaches.

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! To learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly, click/tap this link.

For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

CJ Moore joins the podcast for episode #53. CJ was on press row for the Champions Classic on Tuesday. In the episode, we broke down the X's and O's from the Kansas-Duke game -- as well as what to expect going forward from both teams.

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit hudl.com/hoopvision to learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly.

For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

John Gasaway, a college basketball writer for ESPN, joins for episode 10. The topic of the episode is the new NET rating and the NCAA selection process as a whole. John describes how the selection process would operate if he was NCAA commissioner and we discuss the NET and if the early season criticism is warranted.

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.

Dan Dickau, former All American at Gonzaga and NBA veteran, joins the podcast for episode 42. We discussed the use of technology and data in player development, the flex offense and the evolution of Mark Few's X's and O's, and this season's Gonzaga team -- including last night's win over UCLA.

Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! To learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly, click/tap this link.

For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.

Neil Johnson, Sports Analytics Developer at ESPN, joins for episode #15. Neil has done a lot of work on using EYBL and other AAU stats to predict college performance. The episode revolves around that work, the traditional evaluation process, JUCO stats, and other basketball analytics and coaching topics.

For more info on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68.