TEACHING THE GAME THROUGH TECH: A STUDY OF ANALYTICS INTEGRATION IN DIVISION I MEN'S BASKETBALL COACHING

ABSRACTCreighton Lebo: Teaching the Game Through Tech: A Study of Analytics Integration in Division I Men’s Basketball Coaching(Under the direction of Tony Patterson)The purpose of this research was to explore how NCAA Division I men’s basketball assistant coaches incorporate performance data analytics and technology into their coaching pedagogy. Using a qualitative approach, six Division I assistant coaches were interviewed to better understand how analytics are valued, integrated into coaching philosophy, and utilized in decision-making across program areas. Findings revealed that while all coaches recognized the value of analytics, it is primarily used as a supportive tool rather than a primary driver of decision-making. Coaches described integrating analytics across areas such as player development, scouting, practice planning, and in-game strategy, though the depth of integration varied based on coaching philosophy, experience, and program resources. Additionally, decision-making was found to be a combination of data, experience, and real-time judgment, particularly in high-pressure situations. When viewed through the lens of diffusion of innovations theory, coaches fell across multiple stages of adoption, with most aligning with the early and late majority, and none classified as laggards. This study contributes to the growing body of research on analytics in collegiate basketball by providing insight into how coaches balance data-driven approaches with traditional coaching methods, while also serving as a foundation for future research on the evolving role of analytics in sport coaching.