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Testing Two Players

Testing Two Players​

Let's say there are two players and you want to quickly tell who is better.

The Test​

First, have a group of candidates shoot 10 free throws. Do this multiple times. Take the average.

Next, have them do a 3pt contest with a rebounder. Use the old NBA rules, 25 shots in 30s, 5 per position around the arc. No need for a money ball, just count the total number of makes. Repeat this multiple times also, just to remove any anomalies.

Next, we want to factor in height, or more specifically, standing reach. Sort this group.

Now we have two lists: shooting ability and length.

Pair the players up the following way:

  • First, sort the players by standing reach.
  • Next, sort the players by shooting ability.

Have each pair play 1on1. 1on1 lasts a specified amount of time like 5m. Do not do it up to a certain point total, which is normal. This is to reflect actual game conditions better. The more games that are played, the better the accuracy of the results should be. However, even with one game it will often be clear who is better.

Also, the games must be officiated. It cannot be where the players call their own fouls and stuff, because there will be way too much inconsistencies. The official must be very very good; this is critical. This probably excludes most professional refs.

Take the winners, and sort them by height. Now play more 1on1 games, but pair them according to height. Shortest two players now play, then the next shortest two, etc. What we want to see here is if shorter players can beat the taller ones. Ultimately, which shorter player can beat the taller players, and how tall they can get before the height difference is too much to overcome.

Not sure how to quantify the following, but basically, the best player is the one that can beat the taller players, with the most difference between the standing reaches.