While the team that wins a basketball is the team that puts more points on the scoreboard, it is often also the team that executes a better strategy, displays teamwork, and responds in pressure situations. Thus, a simple box score does not always tell the full story about a quarter, about a game, or about a season. There is a treasure trove of data that reveals a little bit more about the nuances of the game. Advanced statistics like usage rate (USG%), true shooting percentage (TS%), and more are reshaping how viewers, athletes, and organizations understand basketball.
Usage Rate: The Engine of an Offense
Usage rate is an indicator of how much a team relies on a specific player to generate offense through scoring and assisting. The Legacy Leagues top three in usage rate this season are Ethan Austin (43.0 percent, good for first in Massachusetts), Nick Lemoine (39.0 percent, good for second in Rhode Island), and Reggie Stewart (38.0 percent, good for first in Connecticut), but what does this tell us about their impact?
Austin’s high usage reflects his dual role as a scorer and facilitator for FTG.
“My teammates trust me to have the ball in my hands,” Austin says, highlighting his commitment to making plays for others.
With a roster where six out of seven players average at least 9.0 points per game, Austin emphasizes unselfish play. FTG’s success proves that a balanced approach, even with a high-usage player, is a recipe for winning. Ultimately, Austin is responsible for 36.0 percent of his team’s points scored, and 38.0 percent of his team’s assists. He may be staking his claim for Most Valuable Player. As a result, FTG is in the thick of things, tied for third in the Massachusetts league, standing at 3-2. What’s even better, their strength of schedule is on the easier side.
For Lemoine usage rate is a reflection of his leadership in a team still building chemistry.
“My one and only objective is to get our team a win,” Lemoine said.
Lemoine’s ability to control the game through careful decision-making and understanding his teammates’ strengths makes his usage rate justified. His efficiency, as seen in a standout performance against the Air Mambas in Week 4, underscores the value of having the ball in his hands. However, as the season progresses, he’ll have to be less turnover prone. Currently, his assist-to-turnover ratio is a poor indicator of his on-court success.
Stewart is the all-time leading scorer of the Legacy Leagues, and thus, he requires the defense’s attention the moment he steps on the court, making his team’s success this season has been all the more impressive. A big part of that has been his partnership with Eric Singleton that has their team putting the run in Run TMC. The duo accounts for nearly two-thirds of Run TMC’s scoring, and they have risen to the moment in several close games. Singleton, who is also a veteran of the Legacy Leagues, acknowledges the need to diversify the offense and lessen the pressure on Stewart. This self-awareness shows how usage rate can be a tool for reflection and improvement.
Beyond Usage Rate: The Bigger Picture
Usage rate is just one piece of the advanced stats puzzle. Metrics like true shooting percentage (TS%) combine field goals, three-pointers, and free throws to provide a clearer picture of scoring efficiency. Pairing high usage with strong True Shooting Percentage is the hallmark of a true offensive anchor.
What Advanced Stats Teach Viewers
- Player Roles: Advanced stats clarify roles within a team. For instance, a high usage rate paired with a low assist rate might indicate a primary scorer, while a balanced assist-to-turnover ratio signals a playmaker.
- Efficiency Matters: Numbers like True Shooting Percentage and player efficiency rating (PER) show how effectively players convert their opportunities into points, helping fans appreciate the quality of a player’s contributions, not just the quantity.
- Team Dynamics: High individual stats often correlate with team success, but balance remains critical. FTG’s ability to spread the scoring load despite Austin’s high usage is a prime example.
Challenges and Adjustments for Playoff Success
Advanced stats can also spotlight areas for improvement. Austin’s FTG squad, for instance, is gearing up for the playoffs with confidence despite a loss to A1 in Week 3. Austin believes FTG’s depth and experience make them the team to beat:
“We have two champions from last session on this roster,” Austin said. “It’s championship or bust for FTG.”
Stewart and Singleton of Run TMC know they need more from their supporting cast to turn close losses into wins.
“I welcome teammates being aggressive,” Singleton says, recognizing the importance of balance in high-stakes games.
In a Week 3 loss to the Flint Tropics, Stewart and Singleton shot a combined 77.0 percent from the field, but the rest of their teammates shot a combined 38.0 percent on more shot attempts. As the season progresses, it is clear Run TMC’s offense could use more 20+ point outbursts from players like Cody DiLeonardo and Will Hudson.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
For fans, players and analysts alike, advanced statistics like usage rate and true shooting percentage reveal the intricacies of basketball no matter the league. These numbers help us understand not only who are the key players and how they impact their teams. Next time you watch a game, don’t just follow the ball – follow the numbers.