KenPom was created by Ken Pomeroy, a former meteorologist who loved numbers and college basketball. He believed that traditional rankings did not fully explain how good a team actually was. So, he started building a system that looked deeper into games, focusing on possessions, efficiency, and opponent quality rather than just final scores.
Over time, Ken Pomeroy’s work gained massive respect. Major media outlets, NCAA analysts, and even coaches began using KenPom rankings to prepare for games. Today, Ken Pomeroy is considered one of the most influential figures in basketball analytics. His work helped change how people understand performance in college basketball.
How KenPom Rankings Work
KenPom rankings are built on efficiency statistics, not simple averages. Every team is measured by how many points they score and allow per 100 possessions. This removes the bias created by fast or slow playing styles. A slow team is not punished, and a fast team is not rewarded unfairly.
Another key part of KenPom is adjustment. All numbers are adjusted based on the strength of opponents. Scoring well against a top team matters more than scoring against a weak one. This is why KenPom rankings often shift daily as new games are played and data improves.
Key KenPom Metrics Explained Simply
| Metric | Easy Meaning |
|---|---|
| AdjO | How well a team scores |
| AdjD | How well a team defends |
| AdjEM | Overall team strength |
| Tempo | How fast a team plays |
| Luck | Close game results |
KanPom vs Other College Basketball Rankings
KanPom rankings are very different from the AP Poll or Coaches Poll. Traditional polls are based on opinions and recent wins. KanPom is based on math and long-term performance. Because of this, a team might be ranked low in polls but very high on KanPom.
Compared to NET Rankings, KanPom focuses more on efficiency and less on resume-based results. NET is often used officially by the NCAA, while KemPom is used more for analysis and prediction. Many experts trust KanPom more when trying to predict future performance rather than past success.
Why KenPom Matters in March Madness
KenPom becomes extremely important during March Madness because the tournament is unpredictable. Many upsets happen when weaker-looking teams are actually strong under the surface. KenPom helps identify these teams by showing efficiency, not hype.
Historically, most national champions rank very high on KanPom before the tournament begins. Teams that balance strong offense and defense tend to survive longer. This is why bracket experts often say, “Check KanPom before locking your picks.”
How Fans, Bettors, and Analysts Use KenPom
Fans use KenPom to understand why their team wins or loses. It helps explain problems like poor defense or inefficient scoring. Instead of blaming luck, KenPom shows real weaknesses that need improvement.
Sports bettors and analysts rely on KanPom to predict outcomes. They compare team efficiencies, pace, and matchup strengths. However, experienced users know KanPom is a tool, not a guarantee. It works best when combined with game context and injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions About KanPom
Is KenPom free to use?
KanPom offers limited free data, but full access requires a paid subscription.
How often are KanPom rankings updated?
KenPom rankings update daily during the college basketball season.
Is KanPom better than AP rankings?
KenPom is more analytical, while AP rankings are opinion-based.
Can KenPom predict winners accurately?
KenPom is very predictive but not perfect. Upsets still happen.
Is KenPom only for college basketball?
Yes, KenPom focuses only on NCAA men’s basketball.
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