Comparison Study of Efficiency of Guards in Men's Basketball ‐‐ A Case Study of the Top Six Teams in the 28th FIBA Asia Cup

: Guards, as the brains and commanders of a basketball team, play a crucial role in the game. This study utilizes methods such as video observation, mathematical statistics, and logical analysis to analyze and compare the technical indicators of guards' game efficiency in the top six teams of the 28th FIBA Asia Cup. The research indicates that South Korean guards excel in assisting and fast-break performance. Lebanese and Chinese guards demonstrate strong fouling-drawing abilities, mainly through dribbling. Philippine and Iranian guards exhibit strong ball control and minimize turnovers, particularly in passing and receiving. Individual guards from China and the Philippines show outstanding game efficiency, but there are notable gaps between guards within the same team. Lebanese and Japanese guards, as a group, display higher overall game efficiency and balanced performance.


Introduction
The Chinese men's basketball team achieved a nine-game winning streak and won the championship in the 28th FIBA Asia Cup, which was closely related to the outstanding performance of their guards. However, it also revealed the shortcomings of Chinese guards compared to the excellent guards of other strong teams in Asia. Therefore, this study analyzes the technical indicators of the game efficiency of outstanding guards from the top six teams in the 28th FIBA Asia Cup, aiming to identify the characteristics of offensive efficiency among guards from strong Asian teams and provide reference value for the training and competition of Chinese men's basketball guards in the future.

Research Objectives
This study focuses on the game efficiency of guards from the top six teams in the 28th FIBA Asia Cup.
To meet the research needs, the guards from the top six teams in the 28th FIBA Asia Cup (including Liu Wei, Guo Ailun, and Zhao Jiwei from China; William, Norwood, and Romeo from the Philippines; Kamrani, Kardoust, and Mashayekhi from Iran; Tauchi, Hiejima, and Takumi from Japan; Saoud, Arakji, and Youngblood from Lebanon; and Leung, Kim, and Jin from South Korea) are selected as the subjects of investigation. The game matchups are shown in Table 1.

Research Methods
Through online searches and reviewing a large number of research papers related to this study, relevant journal articles and outstanding master's and doctoral theses in the Chinese Academic Journal Database (CNKI) were retrieved. Literature materials and monographs related to the research topic were studied. Based on the determined research subjects and indicators, a total of 11 games from the 28th FIBA Asia Cup were observed and analyzed. The various indicators and actions of the guards' offensive abilities were carefully observed and recorded using methods such as normal speed playback, slow motion playback, pause, and rewind. The data were then analyzed and compared using F-test (two-sample variance) and t-test (two-sample equal variance assumption/two-sample unequal variance assumption) in Excel software to draw relevant conclusions. Under the guidance of philosophical methodology, logical methods were employed to comprehensively compare the obtained information and data, identify the characteristics and connections among the data, and derive research results.

Research Results and Analysis
Comparison and Analysis of Game Efficiency among Guards from the Top Six Teams Game efficiency, also known as the unit efficiency criterion, is an indicator to evaluate the overall strength of a basketball player. The basic idea of this efficiency index is to convert a player's performance on the court into a quantifiable value, enabling the evaluation and comparison of players from different positions using the same standard. The formula for this efficiency index is as follows: . This efficiency criterion is the most commonly used comprehensive data index in NBA official statistics and is widely recognized as an official efficiency index. Therefore, by comparing the game efficiency index of guards from the top six teams, the differences in their overall abilities can be visually observed. Note: In Table 2, "1" represents (points + rebounds + assists + steals + blocks), "2" represents (field goal attempts -field goals made), "3" represents (free throw attempts -free throws made), "4" represents turnovers, and "5" represents the number of games played.
From Table 2, it can be seen that the Chinese players Zhao Jiwei, Liu Wei, and Guo Ailun have game efficiency values of 8.00, -1.00, and 15.67, respectively. They are ranked 9th, 17th, and 1st among the 17 players, respectively. From the rankings, it is evident that the performance of Chinese guards is noticeably imbalanced. Guo Ailun shows the best overall performance and ranks first, while Zhao Jiwei is at an average level, and Liu Wei ranks last. Figure 1 clearly reflects the significant differences in game efficiency among the Chinese guards. The main offensive and defensive organization and scoring of the Chinese team rely on the support of young guards, demonstrating China's boldness in utilizing guards. However, it also exposes their instability. This indicates that there is room for improvement in the selection and deployment of guards in the Chinese team. Fortunately, through the comparison of efficiency values, these two young Chinese guards have managed to enter the ranks of top Asian guards through their participation in major competitions, which is a significant achievement. Additionally, they possess an age advantage that cannot be replaced by other team guards. it is worth mentioning that Guo Ailun and the veteran William of the Philippines have the same efficiency value of 15.67, which indicates that Guo Ailun has reached the highest level of comprehensive abilities in Asia. Moreover, considering that Guo Ailun was only 21 years old at the time, he has great potential for future development, and his future prospects are unlimited.
By reviewing the footage, it can be observed that Chinese guards still have certain issues. Firstly, there is an age gap among the guards, and their lack of game experience results in a gap in controlling the pace of the game and handling crucial plays compared to excellent foreign guards. Secondly, China has relatively fewer reserves of guards. Among the 12 official roster members of the top six teams in the Asia Cup, the Philippines has designated five guards, Iran has six guards, Japan has six guards, Lebanon has five guards, while China and South Korea only have three guards each. This roster composition reflects the recognition of the role and importance of guards by foreign teams, while China and South Korea still need to strengthen their emphasis on and development of guards compared to the other four teams.

Conclusion
In terms of game efficiency, there is significant disparity among the guards in China and the Philippines, with notable imbalances within the Chinese team. The Lebanese and Japanese guards exhibit higher overall comprehensive abilities and balanced performances, with the highest average values compared to the other four teams. On the other hand, the guards of South Korea and Iran have the lowest scores and poorest performances. It is recommended to enhance the diversity of assist methods among Chinese guards, actively train the cooperation between guards and teammates, strengthen the level of understanding, improve the guards' ability to control mistakes, and reduce turnovers caused by passing, receiving, and penetrating. Particularly during fast breaks, the focus should be on ensuring success rather than blindly pursuing speed. If the advantage of a fast break is lost, the game should be controlled promptly, and the offensive organization should be readjusted.
Simultaneously, it is necessary to strengthen the psychological training of Chinese guards, enhance the players' firm belief during games, and avoid any external factors of disturbance. Especially during critical moments of the game or when handling crucial plays, players should maintain a clear mind, stabilize their emotions, and calmly fulfill their responsibilities in organizing the offense.