Data and analytics have become a sexy topic in the era of “Moneyball”. Teams and leagues everywhere are finding ways to revamp their organizations with the use of data-first mindsets. The NBA is the latest example with their newly announced Hackathon where engineers, statisticians and data scientists can come together and compete for who can come up with the most innovative solutions to problems in the basketball analytics.
The basic explanation of a Hackathon is when individuals with high knowledge in technology come together in teams to “collaboratively code a unique solution from scratch”.
“Our fans continue to show an increasing level of interest in data and analytics which provides a level of engagement. We think that by bringing together some of the most talented young minds for a full day to build tools and develop solutions in the field of basketball analytics, we can continue to innovate, which is something that the NBA has embraced for a very long time,” said NBA’s Director of Basketball Analytics, Jason Rosenfeld.
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The event will be taking place on Saturday September 24th in New York City. It will be open to undergraduate and graduate students that are studying at accredited universities in the United States. The question they will be trying to create a solution for has yet to be unveiled. Each teams’ work will be presented to a judges panel, members of the NBA League Office, the media, invited guests and other competitors. The top three teams will win the allotted prized as well as a tour of the NBA League Office and will get to meet with NBA staff members.
Calling all undergrad & grad students- we’re looking for participants in our 1st ever Basketball Analytics Hackathon https://t.co/2bSox1BI58
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) August 11, 2016
While the NBA will get numerous ideas that could assist in the growth of analysis of all sorts of data in their organization, the event is also meant to showcase the competitors skills and abilities in the field. Who knows? The winners of this competition could eventually find themselves working for the NBA soon after.