Analysis of the World Championships men’s basketball (2002 and 2006). Differences between players with different levels of experience (senior and junior)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the differences between junior and senior players. Game-related statistics were used to identify the game actions that discriminated between both levels. Archival data were obtained from the FIBA website. For the analysis, senior´s games from 2002 (n=62) y 2006 (n=74) and junior´s games from 2002 (n=64) y 2006 (n=64) World Championship were used. The game-related statistics gathered included 1-, 2- and 3-points field-goals (both successful and unsuccessful), defensive and offensive rebounds, assist, fouls and turnovers The secondary variables team possession and Offensive Rating. Discriminant analysis was performed to judge which game-related statistics were more useful to discriminate between levels of competition. Men´s teams were discriminated from junior´s by their higher number of assist and 3-point successful field-goals. Junior´s teams were discriminated from senior´s by their higher number of turnovers and defensive rebounds.
Key Words: game-analysis, experience, basketball, discriminant analysis