Solving Basketball

A college basketball podcast hosted by Jordan Sperber focused on analytics, coaching, strategy, and x's and o's. Guests include college coaches, players, and media.

Episode #59 - Bracket Strategy with Jason Lisk (PoolGenius) 03/14/2023

Episode #59 - Bracket Strategy with Jason Lisk (PoolGenius) Jason Lisk of PoolGenius joins the podcast for episode 59. We discussed all things bracket strategy. How to best maximize your chances of winning a bracket pool by balancing value and risk. We also went region-by-region through the 2023 bracket. The 2023 PoolGenius bracket optimizer is here: HoopVision viewers can get discounts of 10-55% here: Read a WIRED feature on the bracket optimizer: Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit to learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly. For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter . /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/26223123

Episode #58 - Ken Pomeroy 8.0 02/23/2023

Episode #58 - Ken Pomeroy 8.0 Ken Pomeroy joins the podcast again for episode 58. We covered a variety of topics: The utility of plus-minus, three-point defense, Penn State's extreme four factors, the strength (or lack thereof) of the ACC, and more. Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit to learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly. For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter . /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/26019315

Episode #57 - Robbie Hummel, ESPN/BTN 02/07/2023

Episode #57 - Robbie Hummel, ESPN/BTN Robbie Hummel joins the podcast for episode #57. We discussed how Robbie prepares for his TV broadcasts, how Matt Painter has changed offensively over the past decade, and the strategy behind 3-on-3 basketball. Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit to learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly. For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter . /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/25853364

Episode #56 - Kevin Sweeney, Sports Illustrated 01/16/2023

Episode #56 - Kevin Sweeney, Sports Illustrated Kevin Sweeney joins the podcast for episode #56. We discussed how Kevin went from a high school blogger to Sports Illustrated writer, talking to coaches on the record vs off the record, the Texas job opening, and more. Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit to learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly. For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter . /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/25618755

Episode #55 - Ken Pomeroy 7.0 12/21/2022

Episode #55 - Ken Pomeroy 7.0 Ken Pomeroy joins the podcast again for episode 55. This time, we opened up the episode to audience questions. The mailbag-style podcast includes a variety of topics about Ken's rankings and basketball analytics in general. Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit to learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly. For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter . /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/25393071

Episode #54 - Eric Shapiro (Michigan vs Kentucky) 12/05/2022

Episode #54 - Eric Shapiro (Michigan vs Kentucky) Eric Shapiro joins the podcast for episode #54. We broke down the X's and O's from yesterday's Michigan-Kentucky game. Plus, we discussed two-foul participation and the "auto-bench". Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit to learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly. For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter . /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/25222143

Episode #53 - CJ Moore, The Athletic 11/17/2022

Episode #53 - CJ Moore, The Athletic CJ Moore joins the podcast for episode #53. CJ was on press row for the Champions Classic on Tuesday. In the episode, we broke down the X's and O's from the Kansas-Duke game -- as well as what to expect going forward from both teams. Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit to learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly. For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter . /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/25046313

Episode #52 - Ken Pomeroy 6.0 10/31/2022

Episode #52 - Ken Pomeroy 6.0 Ken Pomeroy joins the podcast for episode #52. We talked about: Ken's preseason rankings compared to the AP poll, the WAC's new solution to conference tourney seeding, 24 versus 30 second shot clock, and NCAA tournament expansion. Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit to learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly. For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter . /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/24849441

Episode #51 - Will Wade 10/19/2022

Episode #51 - Will Wade Will Wade joins the podcast for episode #51. We talked about LSU's "switch everything" scheme that produced the sixth best defensive efficiency in the country last season. Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit to learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly. For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter . /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/24731670

Episode #50 - Gibson Pyper, @HalfCourtHoops 10/03/2022

Episode #50 - Gibson Pyper, @HalfCourtHoops Gibson Pyper joins the podcast for episode #50. We compared and contrasted the style of play and X's & O's of basketball at all of the different levels -- NBA, EuroLeague, NCAA, and high school. Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit To learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly. For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter . /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/24562914

Episode #49 - Scott Davenport, Bellarmine 09/19/2022

Episode #49 - Scott Davenport, Bellarmine Bellarmine head coach Scott Davenport joins the podcast for episode #49. We discuss Bellarmine's unique offensive style that relies on off-ball cutting and passing. Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! Visit To learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly. For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter . /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/24414888

Episode #48 - Ken Pomeroy 5.0 03/16/2022

Episode #48 - Ken Pomeroy 5.0 Ken Pomeroy joins the podcast for episode 48. Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! To learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly, . For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter . /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/22464740

Episode #47 - Ryan Saunders, NBA Coach 03/07/2022

Episode #47 - Ryan Saunders, NBA Coach Ryan Saunders joins the podcast for episode 47. Full description to come later today. Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! To learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly, . For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter . /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/22361897

Episode #46 - Matt Pennie, Scout and Evaluator 01/27/2022

Episode #46 - Matt Pennie, Scout and Evaluator Matt Pennie joins the podcast for episode 46. Matt is deeply entrenched in AAU grassroots basketball and runs a scouting service for college coaches. In the episode, we cover all things scouting and player evaluation. At the end, we discuss specific players like Jaden Ivey, Chet Holmgren, Max Abmas, and more. Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! To learn more about Hudl Sportscode and/or to contact Hudl directly, . For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter . /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/21916370

Episode #45 - Ken Pomeroy 4.0 01/19/2022

Episode #45 - Ken Pomeroy 4.0 Ken Pomeroy joins the podcast again for episode 45. This time, we opened up the episode to audience questions. The mailbag-style podcast includes a variety of different topics about the current season and basketball analytics in general. /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/21821828

Episode #44 - Mike Couzens, ESPN 01/03/2022

Episode #44 - Mike Couzens, ESPN Mike Couzens, play-by-play broadcaster for ESPN, joins the podcast for episode 44. He discussed the behind the scenes of preparing for a game, his relationships with coaches, and the use of advanced stats within a broadcast. Solving Basketball is presented by Hudl! To learn more about Hudl Sportscode, visit hudl.com/hoopvision. For more on Solving Basketball and Jordan Sperber, follow on Twitter @hoopvision68. /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/21658340

Episode #43 - Niko Medved, Colorado State 12/09/2021

Episode #43 - Niko Medved, Colorado State Niko Medved, head coach of Colorado State, joins the podcast for episode 43. His team is off to an undefeated 9-0 start with one of the most efficient offenses in the country. In this episode, we went in depth on the X's & O's and stats behind Medved's offensive scheme. /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/21429236

Episode #42 - Dan Dickau, Zags Legend 11/24/2021

Episode #42 - Dan Dickau, Zags Legend Dan Dickau, former All American at Gonzaga and NBA veteran, joins the podcast for episode 42. We discussed the use of technology and data in player development, the flex offense and the evolution of Mark Few's X's and O's, and this season's Gonzaga team -- including last night's win over UCLA. /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/21275918

Episode #41 - Ken Pomeroy 3.0 10/20/2021

Episode #41 - Ken Pomeroy 3.0 Ken Pomeroy returns for episode 41. We went back through last season to discuss some of the statistical effects of the covid season on home-court advantage, scheduling, and the blue bloods. We also discussed UCLA and the Pac-12's NCAA Tournament success and Baylor's national championship. /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/20876591

Episode #40 - Casey McGraw, Elmira College 10/06/2021

Episode #40 - Casey McGraw, Elmira College Casey McGraw, head coach of Elmira College, joins the podcast for episode 40. Growing up, Casey was my high school and AAU teammate. In this episode, we reminisced over our playing days and early experiences as coaches. /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/20723819

Episode #39 - Kim English, George Mason 09/22/2021

Episode #39 - Kim English, George Mason Kim English, head coach of George Mason, joins the podcast for episode 39. We discussed player relationships as an assistant coach compared to as a head coach, press conferences and coach speak, analytics and shot selection, and Kim's relationship with former 76ers GM Sam Hinkie. /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/20559695

Episode #38 - Paul Mills, Oral Roberts 09/08/2021

Episode #38 - Paul Mills, Oral Roberts Paul Mills, head coach of Oral Roberts, joins the podcast for episode 38. We discussed last season's March Madness run, the details of ORU’s spread pick and roll offense, grading post-game film, the intentional foul strategy used in the 2nd round win over Florida, and more. /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/20385761

Episode #37 - Ben Falk, Cleaning the Glass 01/21/2021

Episode #37 - Ben Falk, Cleaning the Glass Ben Falk, owner of Cleaning the Glass, joins the podcast for episode 37. After years of working in NBA front offices, Ben is currently a high school basketball coach. We discussed his coaching style and the differences between high school, college, and the NBA. /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/17632580

Episode #36 - Reggie Witherspoon, Canisius (Continuity Ball Screen) 10/30/2020

Episode #36 - Reggie Witherspoon, Canisius (Continuity Ball Screen) Reggie Witherspoon, head coach of Canisius, joins the podcast for episode 36. /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/16611368

Episode #35 - Intentional Fouling with Ken Pomeroy & Jonathan Safir 07/23/2020

Episode #35 - Intentional Fouling with Ken Pomeroy & Jonathan Safir Ken Pomeroy and Jonathan Safir return to the podcast for episode #35. They recently published an article: "The guide to fouling when leading (or tied)." /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/15324308

Episode #34 - Seth Partnow, The Athletic 04/24/2020

Episode #34 - Seth Partnow, The Athletic Seth Partnow, NBA Analyst for The Athletic, joins the podcast for episode 34. Seth is in the middle of a series of articles on how the style of play in the NBA has changed over time. /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/14126936

Episode #33 - Stephen Gentry, Illinois 03/30/2020

Episode #33 - Stephen Gentry, Illinois Stephen Gentry, assistant coach at Illinois, joins the podcast for episode 33. This season, Illinois drastically changed their style and scheme on both the offensive and defensive side of the floor. /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/13758668

Episode #32 - Todd Golden, San Francisco 01/28/2020

Episode #32 - Todd Golden, San Francisco Todd Golden, head coach of San Francisco, joins the podcast for episode 32. In Todd's first year as head coach, the Dons have been using math/probability for unconventional in-game strategy. /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/12914480

Episode #31 - Fran Fraschilla, ESPN 12/23/2019

Episode #31 - Fran Fraschilla, ESPN Fran Fraschilla, basketball analyst for ESPN, joins the podcast for episode 31. We discussed Fran's teams at Manhattan, St. John's, and New Mexico and how the game has trended X's and O's wise since then -- including the origins of Continuity Ball Screen and the Princeton. We also talked about the emergence of analytics and how Fran prepares for his TV games. /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/12505898

Episode #30 - John Ezekowitz, NCAA and NBA Analytics 12/03/2019

Episode #30 - John Ezekowitz, NCAA and NBA Analytics John Ezekowitz, a former analytics consultant for the Phoenix Suns, joins the podcast for episode 30. We discussed John's work experience with the Suns and a variety of basketball analytics topics: Intentional fouls against poor shooters, foul or defend up 3, the hot hand, momentum going into OT, and predicting the NCAA tournament. /episode/index/show/solvingbasketball/id/12260516

Solving Basketball

TOPICS