PPP and eFG

[NCAARules]

Just an open ended question here ...

I've seen a number of posters using stats based on points per possession and eFG. (don't recall who exactly, so forgive me for not identifying directly, but more than once a day).

I was wondering if some of you could go into a little detail on how those stats are arrived at? Specifically, what defines a possession? Also, I have no idea what exactly eFG measures. Also, what pitfalls, if any, do you see in relying on those stats?

It would be helpful, as a reader, to know what these are so I can value or disvalue the stats when I see them in commentary, etc.

Also, are there other "sabermetrics" for basketball that you think have value; perhaps that dont get as much attention?

Just looking to learn a little.

Thanks in advance.

[Dr. Blackheart]

A couple of resources...

http://kenpom.com/blog/index.php/weblog/stats_explained/

http://statsheet.com/basketball_stats_glossary

[Dr. Blackheart]

Here are a couple of ditties on the Four Factors and why they are important:

http://www.rawbw.com/~deano/articles/20040601_roboscout.htm

http://statsheet.com/blog/the-four-factors-to-winning-at-basketball

[NYWarrior]

And here's one that Rob wrote which might help

http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2008/11/value-of-tempo-free-stats-four-factors.html

[Henry Sugar]

And here's one that Rob wrote which might help

http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2008/11/value-of-tempo-free-stats-four-factors.html

and part one looking at possessions

http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2008/10/value-of-tempo-free-stats-part-one.html
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However, the best way to start with is by spending some time with the Pomeroy website.  Efficiency is the same as points per possession (116.8 Eff = 1.17 ppp)

http://kenpom.com/team.php?team=Marquette

The rank for the different efficiencies and factors (offense and defense) will give you a feel for what is good and what is bad.  Typically, 1.00 ppp is average.  Marquette gives up 0.96 ppp, which is only #95 in the country.  Marquette scores 1.17 ppp on offense (#15 in the country).  Put that in context with allowing an opponent to score 1.41 ppp.

[NCAARules]

Thank you all.

I appreciate it!