With Selection Sunday nearly upon us, the sports world is primed for March Madness. Who will be this year’s Cinderella story? Who will go home early? And which teams will make it to the Final Four?
Florida State University Associate Professor of Physics Hanwei Gao and Assistant Professor of Sport Management David Pifer break down the science of basketball. Both are available to speak to journalists who are covering the NCAA men’s and women’s tournaments.
Hanwei Gao, associate professor of physics, College of Arts and Sciences,
Hgao3@fsu.edu
Gao’s research focuses on solid-state nanomaterials with photonic and optoelectronic functions. In a new video, he breaks down the fundamental physics concepts behind basketball, alongside FSU forward Harrison Prieto.
David Pifer, assistant professor, Department of Sport Management, College of Education, david.pifer@fsu.edu
Pifer’s research focuses on sports analytics—the use of data and statistical methods to help sport organizations and individuals make better decisions. He is primarily concerned with variables related to on-field/on-court team, player and coach performance, and how analytics can help these groups enhance their decision-making processes.
“Whether placing money on the point spread or filling out brackets in the spirit of friendly competition, there is no shortage of people interested in predicting the outcomes of March Madness games. To this end, data analytics provide participating ‘bracketologists’ with supplementary knowledge that can help them minimize personal biases and examine the validity of the numerous anecdotes regularly touted by members of the sport media. Though a lot of ‘noise’ is present in single-elimination competitions, analytics can provide marginal gains to those making decisions in settings of high uncertainty.”