#135 Where Data Science meets Sports Analytics with Golfer Turned Engineer Ken Jee
Aug 2, 2024
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Ken Jee, a data scientist and sports analytics expert, shares insights from his work with US Team Golf and USA Basketball. He discusses how an injury shifted his focus from sports to data. Ken explains the importance of communicating complex stats to athletes and argues that building user-focused products is more valuable than just projects. He emphasizes meditation for creativity and reflects on the advantages of walking in nature for mental clarity. The conversation also tackles misconceptions in data science careers and the evolving role of AI in analytics.
Ken Jee's transition from professional sports to data science illustrates how personal setbacks can lead to fulfilling new career paths.
Effective communication in sports analytics hinges on simplifying complex statistical concepts for athletes and coaches without a statistical background.
The evolving field of data science offers unique opportunities as AI tools advance, emphasizing the need for specialized skills in the data science pipeline.
Building personalized heuristics is essential for navigating both personal and professional challenges, allowing individuals to make informed decisions based on their experiences.
Deep dives
The Importance of Internal Algorithms in Sports
Training one's internal algorithm is essential for excelling in reactive sports. Athletes, particularly in sports like tennis, create algorithms to predict the trajectory of balls and react accordingly. This predictive capability sets top athletes apart, as they can effectively position themselves for optimal performance. This process mirrors machine learning models, where training methods can vary, illustrating the intersection of human skill development and technology.
Ken Gee's Journey into Data Science
Ken Gee's passion for sports and data science began at a young age, influenced by his love for baseball and later, golf. His academic journey included multiple major changes and a newfound appreciation for statistics and economics during college, which he applied to improve his golf game. Despite initial setbacks in pursuing a professional golf career, his fascination with data ultimately shaped his career path. His internship at DraftKings and later experiences laid the groundwork for a successful career in sports analytics.
The Evolution of Data Science and Its Opportunities
Ken emphasized the transformative journey of data science as it has evolved over the past decade, becoming an increasingly sought-after field. The demand for data scientists remains strong, and while the landscape has shifted, it presents unique opportunities for those with the right skill set. Many roles are becoming more specialized, pointing to the importance of understanding the entire data science pipeline. As AI tools continue to advance, the need for data science expertise is likely to grow even further.
Effective Communication with Diverse Audiences
Communicating complex data analysis to domain experts requires an understanding of their language and context. Ken pointed out that athletes and coaches may lack the statistical background to grasp various concepts, so simplifying explanations is crucial. Terms like 'percentiles' can be misconstrued if not communicated effectively. Tailoring the message to resonate with the audience's experiences fosters clearer understanding and leads to more productive conversations.
Building Original Content in a Crowded Space
Despite the rise of AI-generated content, creating unique and original material remains critical. Ken stressed that combining ideas and perspectives from different disciplines leads to innovative concepts that AI models often cannot replicate. The challenge with AI tools is their tendency to produce homogenized content based on average data. Human creativity inspires true novelty, and authentic storytelling enhances the depth of understanding that deeply resonates with audiences.
Networking through Conferences and Connections
Attending industry conferences is a significant way to build professional networks and meet influential individuals in the field. Ken highlighted that personal connections often lead to career growth opportunities. Even introverts can benefit from engaging with extroverted peers at these events, creating valuable interactions. The relationships forged during networking can profoundly impact an individual's career trajectory as they navigate the data science landscape.
The Role of Heuristics in Decision-Making
Ken discussed the utility of heuristics in both personal and professional contexts, emphasizing the need for individuals to develop their own navigation tools instead of relying solely on others' frameworks. Heuristics can simplify complex decision-making processes, but they must be tailored to individual preferences and circumstances. Drawing insights from one’s unique experiences while leveraging statistical guidance can enhance personal growth, informed choices, and innovative approaches to challenges. Ultimately, creating personalized heuristics helps individuals navigate uncertain environments effectively.
The Future of Data Science in an AI-Driven World
Ken expressed optimism about the future of data science, expecting continued growth in demand for skilled professionals in the AI landscape. As organizations seek to harness the power of data, the importance of data science roles, including data engineering and analysis, will only increase. The blending of humans with AI tools allows for deeper insights and innovative applications in various fields. Those familiar with data science are well positioned to leverage AI advancements as part of their skill set moving forward.
On this week's episode of the podcast, freeCodeCamp founder Quincy Larson interviews Ken Jee. Ken's a Data Scientist. He's also a Sports Analytics practitioner who works with US Team Golf and USA Basketball.
Ken hosts the excellent Ken's Nearest Neighbors podcast and the Exponential Athelete podcast.
We talk about:
- How an injury pushed Ken out of pro sports and into data science
- How Ken explains his statistical insights to coaches and players to help them improve their performance
- Why Ken doesn't think building projects is all that useful anymore. "Data Scientists should instead build products."
- How Ken starts and ends each day with meditation, and writes down all the ideas that pop into his head after each session.
- Ken's observation that: "Who is the best suited to excel in a world where AI tools are prominent? Probably the people who are building them. People in the data science domain, people who are coding – they're the most prepared to use these tools for other things."
Can you guess what song I'm playing on my bass during the intro? It's from a 2006 dance song, and it was originally played on a synth.
Also, I want to thank the 10,109 kind people who support our charity each month, and who make this podcast possible. You can join them and support our mission at: https://www.freecodecamp.org/donate
The Exponential Athelete Podcast, also hosted by Ken: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAkSd12rP282takuFJKsAsYlHdpdEDhuE
The Founders podcast, which both Ken and Quincy listen to. James Dyson episode: https://www.founderspodcast.com/episodes/88384801/senra-james-dyson-against-the-odds-an-autobiography
Anna Wintour episode: https://www.founderspodcast.com/episodes/58741411/senra-326-anna-wintour
San Antonio caves that Quincy visited: https://naturalbridgecaverns.com/
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