I’ve long believed that data and film analysis are the baseline of modern basketball. Not a luxury. A baseline.
If you don’t watch game film, don’t say you want to improve.
In the U.S. and many higher-level programs overseas, most teams have dedicated staff for stats and video work.
But in Malaysia? Not even the national team has a proper data and video analyst.
That’s not a technology gap. And it’s not just about resources. It’s a culture gap — because even when tools are available, we often don’t value film analysis enough to make it part of our system.
That’s the real issue.
The U20 D-League Case
Last week, a friend posted on Threads after breaking down film on a U20 D League player. What he found was shocking:
80% of his points came from one spot: back-to-the-basket post-ups on the right block.
No left hand. No jumper. No counter moves.
Still dropped buckets. Every game.
No one adjusted. No one scouted him. So my friend asked:
Honestly? I’m not surprised.
Stats Look Good — Until You See the Context
This is the problem with box scores: they tell you what happened, but not why it happened.
A guy drops 20 points. Great. But:
- Was he scoring in garbage time?
- Was he disrupting the offense with poor reads?
- Or did he just feast on bad defense — and we called it skill?
Only film can answer those questions.
Film reveals the rhythm. The reads. And the decision-making. It shows:
- The average-looking point guard who always makes the right play
- The inefficient forward who always rotates on time
- The so-called star who racks up points because nobody’s guarding him hard
Film exposes truth. It also exposes lies.
Austin Rivers Said It. Plain and Painful.
This isn’t just a Malaysia problem. Austin Rivers said it straight on a podcast:
He admitted he used to be that guy. Until one day on a flight, he opened his laptop to watch movie… and Chris Paul — sitting next to him — opened Synergy.
For the whole flight, CP3 was studying film, breaking down plays, prepping for the next battle.
That was the moment Rivers realized:
Steph knows every play on the board. Draymond reads the game like a chess master. They don’t rely on guesswork. They prepare.
It’s Not About Resources. It’s About Attitude.
People always say, “We don’t have budget to hire video analysts.”
But in 2025, everyone has a phone, a laptop, free editing tools, Google Drive. What we lack isn’t tech — it’s initiative.
I truly believe there are many young Malaysians passionate about analytics and video. They know how to clip, chart, and break down film. What they lack is opportunity.
Instead of saying “we don’t have the people,” we should ask: “Have we even tried to find them?”
Take Japan B3 for example, many teams have roles like “video intern” or “analytics assistant.” Why can’t we?
Rather than waiting for funding to hire experts, teams can start by inviting interested students to contribute. Let them grow with the team. Let them build experience.
This isn’t just about strengthening a roster. It’s about building an ecosystem.
Highlight Can Lie. Film Never Does.
We can’t keep using “nobody does it here” as an excuse. We can’t keep admiring other countries while refusing to act.
From today onward, here’s the first step — and it comes in two parts:
- If you’re a coach or part of a team’s management, start recruiting young, passionate people who are eager to learn analytics and film. Bring them into your system. Train them. Empower them.
- If you’re a player, start building the habit of reviewing your own games. Not just highlights. Full, raw footage. Watch it all.
And when you do, start here:
- Write down three things you did well
- Three things you did poorly
- One decision or habit you want to improve next game
It’s a simple habit — but a powerful one.
You don’t need a coach to point it out. You just need to be honest with yourself.
Because: Data tells you what happened. Film helps you understand why.
And the real players? They’re the ones who choose to see more.
Have a great weekend and continue to grow. See you next week.
— Jordan
