A study of the behavior of Romanian and foreign basketball players in the U-Mobitelco team in FIBA Eurochallenge Cup games.

Background. The principle of the research started with the notion that in order to objectively evaluate the team members' behavior during play, which in turn would lead to better knowing the players and to a better use of them in competitions based on objective decisions, it is necessary to gather information by the means of recording and building a ready-to-use database. Aims. The purpose for analyzing the main behavior indicators during games was to obtain data on which the coach could better assess the evolution of his players and could objectively plan the training process in order to increase the players' performing efficiency during competitions. The aim is to determine to what extent the foreign players from U-Mobitelco represent a plus and add value to the basketball game. Methods. The six players' contribution to the results of the team in this competition was monitored, by comparing the results obtained by the foreign players and Romanian ones, analyzing specific parameters: number of games played, number of minutes played, number of shots, offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, steals, blocks - blocked basketball throws, decisive passes - assists, stolen balls, scored points. Results. A model of the Romanian and foreign players' game behavior was subsequently developed. Comparing the main game parameters, the foreign players have better results than the Romanian ones, except for the 2-point throws. The foreigners' game efficiency index is 49.6, whereas the Romanian players' index is only 14.2. Conclusions. Processing the data regarding game specific parameters gives the coach objective information on which to better know his players, to assess the overall evolution of the team and to take better decisions. On average, the foreigners get to play 10.41 minutes longer than their Romanian teammates. Regarding playing time, the foreigners outperform the Romanians by far, with a mean value of 30.84 vs. 20.43 minutes played. In the case of 9 out of 10 parameters, the foreigners have better results and thus, they contribute to a greater extent to the achievements of the team and to raising the performance index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]