This illustrated introduction to statistics and sports analytics is designed for both enthusiasts and newcomers. It highlights remarkable sports moments, such as Steph Curry's impressive 11 out of 13 three-pointers and the University of Connecticut women's basketball team's 100th consecutive win. It also mentions the surprising predictions of an octopus named Paul during the World Cup. Mathematician and sports analytics expert Tim Chartier guides readers in exploring the probabilities behind these events, simplifying complex data modeling into relatable concepts like coin tosses and dice throws. Through modeling experiments that require minimal formulas, readers gain an intuitive understanding of improbability. For instance, by comparing Curry's 45.3 percent shooting average to a coin toss (50 percent chance), readers can grasp the odds of achieving such a feat. The book includes exercises for hands-on sports experimentation and features engaging comic book-style illustrations by Ansley Earle. This resource empowers readers, regardless of their background in statistics or programming, to predict and analyze the likelihood of sports events while enhancing their enjoyment of the games.
