Diary Series: Lamont Smith, Asst. Coach - Arizona State ("Stats class with Sendek")

I left my position at the University of Santa Clara after the 2007-08 season to join Herb Sendek’s staff at Arizona State.  In the few years I’ve been a part of Herb Sendek’s staff, I have continued to learn and develop as a coach.  Coach Sendek has a wealth of basketball knowledge, and is even a greater man of character.  And another thing about Coach -- he loves his statistics. 

He has taught me to utilize all-kinds of statistics, and as a result, here at ASU we want everything documented at all times.  That means every free-throw shot during practice is documented.  That means every field goal attempt is recorded.  Turnovers, rebounds, and assists, those are all a given.  But we also love statistics that are more in-depth than just your basic stats.  For example, we document every deflection we have on defense, both in games and in our daily practice.  “Deflections,” Coach Sendek says “are the best measuring stick for activity on defense.”  Some other statistics our managers keep for our games are:

* hustle plays
* mental breakdowns
* bad shots
* the number of catches allowed in the low post
* the number of catches allowed at the elbow
* the number of times each individual penetrates to the paint
* uncontested shots allowed on defense
* the field goal rebounding percentage
* transition baskets for both teams
* number of layups allowed
* number of fouls drawn by each individual
* plus/minus for each of our athletes

Some of these stats are scientifically driven, while others, like bad shots, are more of a judgment call.  However, the information gained from all of these figures is helpful when we look for trends in our team’s performance.  Also, it is easier to stress the importance of something when we have the data to back it up.

When going back and trying to analyze our statistics, I try to find one or two categories where the figures jump out at me, and focus on that.  But having all of this information available is a great resource, and one that helps us to continue to evaluate and improve each performance.

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