Stats to support coaches

Enter any gym and watch a practice. You will see and hear points of coaching emphasis. That emphasis often relates to defending, rebounding, protecting the ball, etc. - all are stats that are then measured within games. That said, a quick look at some stats (thanks to Minnesota Duluth Newsletter) from the 2010 NCAA basketball tourney proves the points that many coaches make to their players. The 64 games (that took place this past tournament) provided the following results:

• 52 winners had higher FG percentages
• 42 winners had more rebounds
• 44 winners committed fewer fouls
• 45 winners attempted more free throws
• 42 winners shot a better free throw percentage
• 40 winners had higher 3 point shooting percentage
• 33 winners had fewer turnovers (given there were 7 ties, stat is 33 of 57)