Two modern reporters, one women's basketball coach, one old-school writer. Click on each portrait to learn about their experiences with advanced statistics.
ANDREW HUTCHINSON - SPORTS REPORTER
In Arkansas' sports media cadre, Andrew Hutchinson is known as the "math guy". He's made a career on combining his passions, math and sports, through well-written and concise writing. Through subscription-based statistics, a self-created database, and do-it-yourself math, he's managed to build a brand based off deeper metrical analysis than the average sports reporter can provide. |
BOB HOLT - SPORTS REPORTER
With almost 12,000 Twitter followers, a daily presence in Arkansas' statewide paper since 1981, and two-way familiarity with Razorback coaches and foes alike, Bob Holt is a force in the college sports-coverage scene. He's seen his fair share of changes in the occupation, including in the realm of advanced statistics. With the help of coworkers, he's putting these new skills to use.
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TODD SCHAEFER - ASSISTANT WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH
The coaching world is fickle, much like in journalism, and losses show up on a team's record and a staff's job security. For that reason, sports analytics give coaches an extra competitive advantage that could mean the difference between wins and defeats. Todd Schaefer serves as an assistant for the Razorback women's basketball team, and his work with analytics were key in turning around a struggling program and building his second-year team into a postseason contender.
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SCOTTIE BORDELON - WHOLEHOG SPORTS REPORTER
Many sports journalists avoid math simply because they don't have the necessary skills required for regular implementation. Scottie Bordelon now uses analytics in his work, but he avoided math for years. After using KenPom for not-so-journalistic purposes, he realized the information listed through subscription-based services had a place in modern reporting.
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