In this episode of Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience “Professional Series,” host Howard Beck is joined by the On Air Analyst for the Portland Trail Blazers, Cory Jez. Cory worked as the first and only full-time on-air stats analyst for the team, where he joined every game broadcast and broke down the game from a statistical perspective. Cory’s professional experience includes leading the analytics department with NBA and MLS teams, consulting with PGA Tour golfers, and more.
In this episode, Howard and Cory discuss:
- Cory’s goal as a broadcaster focusing on analytics
- How Cory translates numbers and stats to fans
- How organizations evaluate players
- Explanation of reliable all-in-one stats and what they accomplish
Cory’s background in consulting with startups like FanDuel allowed him to bring a modern technology vision to pro sports. In 2016, Cory became the head of analytics for the Utah Jazz – working closely with the coaching staff, GMs, and scouts to implement technology within every aspect of the organization. After 4 seasons with the Jazz, Cory followed up with the same tactics with Austin FC, the newest expansion club within the MLS. Cory is also the founder and CEO of TourIQ Golf, an analytics platform that helps PGA Tour pros improve their game. Cory’s experience with implementing infrastructure for pro teams and in different major sports leagues gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, data, and technology.
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SHOW NOTES
- What were Cory’s goals as a broadcaster focusing on analytics? What was Cory’s experience in Portland? (3:50)
- How does Cory translate numbers and stats to the fan? (9:30)
- How to combine traditional stats, advanced analytics, and the eye-test? How to accurately compare players (10:50)
- How do we put numbers to individual basketball plays? (18:30)
- Where do basketball fans find data and how to test the reliability of these numbers/stats? What is player tracking data? (20:00)
- What can fans find on NBA.com/stats and what insight does it provide for fans? (29:40)
- What are the words fans should use to describe stats and players? (32:00)
- Different metrics for shooting and ways to evaluate different efficiency (35:00)
- How do organizations evaluate players and how is that different from fans? (36:30)
- Why does “change of scenery” work for players and front offices? (39:30)
- What are the best and most reliable all-in-one stats for fans to use and understand? (42:50)
- Explanation of +/- stats in the basketball space (47:30)
- Explanation of DARKO stat (49:10)
- What are the goals of the all-in-one stats and how to quantify and estimate a player’s impact? (53:00)
- How does a player’s role play into player impact? (58:30)
- How to best predict NBA events such as who will win R.O.Y, title, MVP, etc (1:02:00)
- Cory’s book recommendation to dive deeper into stats and analytics (1:05:00)
