Shooting distribution and efficiency between basketball ABA league and Euroleague in season 2018/2019

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine whether there are differences in the shooting distribution and efficiency between the ABA basketball league and the Euroleague within the 2018/2019 regular part of the season. The research sample was represented by the teams participating in the ABA League (12 teams) and the Euroleague (16 teams) in the 2018/2019 season. The regular part of the season was organized in a two-round league system for both leagues, where 264 games were played within the ABA league, and 480 games in the Euroleague. Based on the results obtained using the T-test for independent samples, it was noticed that there are statistically significant differences in 3 point shots from the central position (p<0.000), 2 point shots from the central position (p<0.000), and within the key (p=0.002), and when it comes to the shooting efficiency, significant differences appear in the 3 point position on the left side (p=0.010) and the right corner (p=0.041), as well as for 2 points inside the key (p=0.001). Analyzing the percentage of shooting efficiency, it is clear that Euroleague teams have a higher quality compared to teams from the ABA league, which is in line with previous research where it is indicated that 2-point shots are one of the most important factors for a team's success in competition. Euroleague teams take most of the shots from the key in relation to other positions, as well as ABA teams, while the level of efficiency is reversed. Considering that in both leagues, the largest number of shots was taken from the key, it can be concluded that the number of shot attempts is a more important factor than efficiency when it comes to success in competition.