The 21st century is broadly called the Digital Age. And what phrase could be more apt for a world where digital technology advances as rapidly as it does? In only 20 years, we’ve gone from mobile phones to miniature computers in our pockets. Computers themselves have advanced at such a rapid speed that many can’t believe it. And, of course, the pinnacle of the digital age is the creation of Artificial Intelligence.
Of course, proper AI has yet to exist. So far, it is all just programming that helps a computer learn faster. But, in these early stages, Artificial Intelligence can help in numerous walks of life. In theory, we could use Artificial Intelligence to create machines that perform the work of humans. The most popular and common example is self-driving cars, which utilize AI to learn patterns and improve.
Naturally, AI can also serve to improve our entertainment. For example, one of the most famous examples of AI is chess-playing artificial intelligence. However, we can also use AI to help us better the world of sports. In this article, we wouldn’t look at how AI could change the world of college basketball and sports in general.
AI Could Improve Odds
One of the most common ideas for how artificial intelligence can help with sports is using AI to predict the odds. The idea is plausible. After all, bookmakers consider relevant data, analyze it, crunch the numbers, and convert them into odds. However, human error is always a possibility that we have to consider with bookies. Artificial intelligence could process the numbers much faster and come up with much better odds.
Improved odds could change the betting world, especially regarding college ball, considering March Madness is one of the most popular basketball events in the United States. New people grow interested in the tournament every year and wonder how to place bets on March Madness. For these people, AI odds makers would perform an excellent service, as it would give them better or at least more accurate odds.
AI Could Help with Scouting
In theory, artificial intelligence could also help with scouting and recruitment. Many people falsely believe that sports and math are two separate worlds. In reality, sports revolve entirely around mathematics and statistics. Analysts determine a player’s success by looking over their game history, crunching the numbers, and coming up with general player statistics. And this is where AI could come quite in handy.
Analysts could feed the numbers to an AI. From there, the theoretical artificial intelligence could analyze everything there is to research the player and develop accurate statistics based on the numbers. Not only would this lead to more accurate stats, but it would also get the job done a lot quicker. From there, teams and managers would have an easier time regarding recruitment and game planning.
AI Could Also Help Players Train
By assessing the data regarding a player’s statistics, AI could potentially show the strengths and weaknesses of a player. For example, if a player excels at dribbling but flubs their shots, the AI could point this out and maybe even develop ways for the player to improve. But it doesn’t end there. During training or even a match, Artificial intelligence could monitor the players’ physical parameters and determine whether they need to take a break or if there are good to go.
It is vital for basketball players and athletes to maintain a healthy lifestyle. And while pushing your limits is the goal of any sport, knowing when to stop is also essential. And AI can certainly help show players and coaches when the time to take a break has come.
AI Could Help with Broadcasting
Finally, it isn’t just the athletes and their managers that AI could benefit from. It could also help the audience experience the game much better. Artificial intelligence could control the cameras to capture the field much better. When a significant event happens during the game, the AI system can automatically select the best angle for broadcasting the event to the audience.
On top of that, AI can also help with advertising. By analyzing the excitement and interest of the people in the arena, an AI could select the best time in the match to show ads and even decide on the best ads. So, there are many exciting applications for AI, most of which would improve the sport and the experience.
About the Author
Shelly Schiff has over a decade of experience working in the iGaming industry. She knows everything there is to know about online slots, online casinos, and online sports betting. Schiff mainly works for SBS. However, she has also provided content for a dozen other websites. When not working, she enjoys walking her dogs or reading good books.