Basketball fans are often deeply familiar with their team’s star players, coaches, and even the rookies warming the bench. Yet, behind the scenes, there is an equally compelling and transformative story unfolding—one driven by the expertise of data scientists who are changing the game with the power of numbers and analytics. Among these pioneering professionals is Ivana Seric, a Ph.D. mathematician whose groundbreaking work with the Philadelphia 76ers exemplifies how data science is revolutionizing the NBA.
From Intuition to Data-Driven Strategy
Traditionally, basketball has been guided largely by the intuition and experience of coaches and players. While these qualities remain crucial, data scientists like Ivana are adding a new dimension: unbiased, rigorous analysis that completes the picture of player performance and game strategy. Ivana and her colleagues form part of the 76ers’ analytics team, tasked with interpreting the vast amounts of data generated during games to inform coaching decisions.
One of the major shifts brought by analytics is the evolution of shot selection. Despite the lower shooting percentage of three-pointers compared to shots near the basket, teams have increasingly embraced the three-point shot because its higher point value yields better returns over time. This change is vividly illustrated when comparing game footage from the 1980s, where players clumped near the hoop, with today’s footage that shows players spreading out toward the three-point line.
The Tech Behind the Insights
Since 2013, every NBA arena has been outfitted with a network of cameras that capture the game from multiple angles, recording player locations 25 times per second. This generates millions of data points per game, enabling detailed analyses of on-court actions that were previously difficult to track accurately.
A key example is the “pick and roll” play—a staple in basketball strategy involving one player setting a screen to free a teammate from a defender. Using the data, Ivana can quantify how often players execute pick and rolls, how effectively they perform under such circumstances, and their tendencies to pass or shoot in these situations. This granular knowledge helps coaches tailor defensive tactics to counteract opponents’ strengths.
Behind the Scenes: Coding and Confidentiality
Ivana’s role extends beyond simply interpreting data. Much of her time is dedicated to coding and extracting relevant information from raw datasets—a challenging, detail-oriented process that demands technical skill and creativity. While she shares some insights, the most intricate aspects of her analysis remain closely guarded secrets, reflecting the fiercely competitive nature of the NBA.
A Unique Blend of Basketball and Mathematics
Ivana’s journey into NBA analytics is an inspiring blend of passion for basketball and excellence in mathematics. Born in Croatia, she started playing basketball at seven and dreamed of a professional sports career. At 19, she moved to New Jersey on a basketball scholarship, shining as both a Division I college player and a math student. For a while, she worried she would have to choose between her two loves—sports and math.
However, as NBA teams began hiring data scientists, Ivana recognized an opportunity to unite her skills and passions. Despite initial doubts—partly due to the gender imbalance within data science, where women make up less than 30%—she secured a coveted role with the Sixers, bringing invaluable perspective both as a former player and a mathematician.
Impact on the Game and Beyond
Ivana’s work exemplifies a broader trend of analytics shaping professional basketball. Coaches increasingly rely on data to dissect opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, refine play calls, and make strategic adjustments during critical moments like the playoffs. Brett Brown, the Sixers’ head coach, affirms that analytics have played a significant role in his team’s success and expects the role of data science to grow even more influential.
Moreover, Ivana’s story is a beacon for representation in STEM and sports. She feels a profound responsibility to inspire young girls, demonstrating that women can thrive in the male-dominated field of sports analytics. Her success not only propels her team forward but also encourages a more inclusive future in both athletics and science.
Conclusion
The infusion of data science into the NBA marks a radical evolution—from relying on gut feeling to leveraging detailed, empirical analysis. Professionals like Ivana Seric embody this transformation, using mathematics and advanced technology to decode the game’s complexities and provide competitive advantages. As basketball continues to embrace the power of data, the collaboration between athletic talent and scientific insight promises an exciting new era on and off the court.
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