Here on the blog, we’ve discussed the implications of big data in the realms of national security, disaster relief, poverty reduction, and epidemiology. Big data is also driving analysis in the world of sports. Last week’s Sloan Sports Analytic Conference at MIT focused on how big data is driving analytics in baseball, hockey, football, and my personal favorite, basketball. New technological breakthroughs (such as new camera technology that track the ball and players many times a second), when combined with analytically-inclined sports teams, will lead to new and exciting ways for fans to understand their favorite sports. For the teams, it will mean gaining insights and advantages to help them win games.
If you have a moment and some interest, browse the research papers that were presented at the conference or watch some youtube presentations of some of the basketball-centric research. Sports Analytics will make you a better, more informed fan!