Sue Bird Speaks Analytics
Bird joins the Nerd Conference Edition of the Lowe Post Podcast

Sue Bird recently did a fun podcast interview on the Lowe Post during Nerd Conference. As she began to talk, she confirmed that she has been a slow to warm woman in the past, but she is more outgoing these days. She talked about circle dancing, doing the Robot and confidence in general.

Bird says that this is her second year serving on a panel of basketball analytics. She is passionate about keeping stats for women’s sports and is very interested in “bringing a female voice” to the discussion. Bird says that analytics help her out on the defensive end. Saying that she was never the quickest or strongest player, Bird discusses strategy, saying that good defense, to her, is about knowing where to be on the court. The right spot can make all the difference and Bird confirms what coaches have been telling passionate players for decades: it’s not always all about the talent. Sure, if you are a natural, you may have a better shot, but if you’re like Bird and your strategy is all about your mindset, you can still go places.

Bird also says how important it is to know the players you are up against, knowing how to time your actions and respond in just the right way on the court. Who knew that she was a mastermind psychologist and analytical thinker! Well, to play in the WNBA, you almost have to be. In fact, any sport comes with a massive need for in-head work and those who don’t know that are missing out on so much of the game. Bird says that she has literally played the percentages, using stats to help her make good predictions and follow through with appropriate actions.

It was fun to hear Bird admit that she does prefer to go left on the court than right, that, like many basketball players, she has her specific shot preferences, and that her chart isn’t so much surprising as it is helpful to confirm what she already knows. Bird also reiterated how important it is to have the stats for fans in order to give them the opportunity to really get involved, whether it be through fantasy sports, heated discussion or even kids just memorizing the stats and facts about their favorite players.

For more insight from one of Seattle’s favorite women, be sure to check out the podcast above and listen to Bird discuss her love of the game.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

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