Player Analytics Glossary
A complete reference to the advanced efficiency metrics, rate stats, and composite scores used to evaluate individual NCAA Division I basketball player performance. Every metric is calculated from official box score data with national percentile rankings. Select a category below to explore how each metric is calculated and what the benchmarks mean.
Game Score
PTS + 0.4×FGM − 0.7×FGA − 0.4×(FTA−FTM) + 0.7×ORB + 0.3×DRB + STL + 0.7×AST + 0.7×BLK − 0.4×PF − TOV
Created by John Hollinger, Game Score condenses an entire box score into a single number. It rewards efficient scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, and blocks while penalizing missed shots, turnovers, and fouls. A Game Score of 10 represents an average performance; 20+ is outstanding; 30+ is historically great. Negative Game Scores indicate a player actively hurt their team. It’s the primary metric on the Player Profiles page and the default ranking metric throughout the analytics hub.
Game Score Standard Deviation (GS σ)
Standard deviation of per-game Game Score values
Measures how consistent a player’s game-to-game performance is. A low standard deviation (below 5.0) means the player delivers steady output every night — coaches know what they’re getting. A high deviation (above 8.0) indicates a boom-or-bust player who can dominate one night and disappear the next. On the Advanced Stats table, lower is better — the most valuable players combine a high average Game Score with a low standard deviation.
Points + Rebounds + Assists (PRA)
PPG + RPG + APG
PRA sums a player’s three primary counting stats into one composite number that captures overall statistical production. While simple, it’s useful for quick comparisons and is the foundation of the hot/cold form model on individual player pages. A PRA above 30 indicates an elite all-around contributor; above 20 is a quality starter; below 12 is typically a role player. PRA doesn’t account for efficiency or defensive contributions, so it’s best used alongside advanced metrics.
Player Role Classification
Derived from USG%, AST%, TS%, PPG, and positional data
Each player is assigned a role label based on their statistical profile: Volume Scorer (high USG%, high PPG), Floor General (high AST%, moderate USG%), Stretch Shooter (high 3PAr, high eFG%), Rim Protector (high BLK%), Glass Cleaner (high ORB%/DRB%), Two-Way Wing (balanced scoring and defensive metrics), or Contributor (no dominant statistical signature). Role badges appear on the Advanced Stats table and Player Profiles to quickly communicate a player’s archetype.
