(This page is a summary and description of the statistics used in our men’s basketball posts.)

Efficiency: The estimated number of points a team would score against an average defense in 100 possessions (for offensive efficiency) or the estimated number of points a team would give up against an average offense in 100 possessions (for defensive efficiency). These values are adjusted for opponent ability.

Tempo: The average number of possessions a team will have each game, adjusted for opponents. This is the same for offense and defense.

EFG%: Effective field goal percentage, which is calculated using the formula (Field Goals Made + .5 * 3-pointers Made)/Field Goal Attempts. This is an attempt to take into account the added value of making a three pointer (that is, they’re worth 50% more than a two-pointer). For defense, this is effective field goal percentage allowed.

TO%: Turnover percentage, which is simply the number of turnovers a team has (or forces, in the case of defense) divided by number of possessions.

OReb%: Offensive rebound percentage, which is what percentage of available offensive rebounds do they collect (on offense) or allow (on defense).

FT Rate: Simply the number of free throw attempts divided by the number of field goal attempts. This measures how often a team gets to the free throw line.

3PT%: 3-point percentage, which is simply the number of 3-pointers made divided by the number of attempts. On defense, this is 3Pt% allowed.

2PT%: 2-point percentage, which is simply the number of 2-pointers made divided by the number of attempts. On defense, this is 2Pt% allowed.

FT%: Free throw percentage, which is the percentage of free throws a team makes. On defense, this is what percentage their opponent makes from the free throw line, which could be thought of as how well they foul the right guy.

BLK%: Block percentage, which is blocked shots divided by 2-point attempts. On offense, this is how often their shots get blocked, while on defense, it’s how often they block shots.

STL%: Steal percentage, which is the percentage of possessions that end in a steal. On offense, it’s a measure of how well they avoid having the ball stolen from them, while on defense, it’s how often they steal the ball.

3PT Rate: This is the percentage of field goal attempts by a team (or an opponent, for defense) are 3-point attempts.

AST Rate: This is the percentage of made field goals that were assisted.