Students learned from MIT instructors at the 76ers training facility at the week-long camp
(CHEYNEY, PA – August 15, 2023) – Cheyney University of Pennsylvania is proud to announce the successful completion of its first Sports Analytics Training Camp for students, in partnership with The Philadelphia 76ers, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Mosaic Development Partners. The groundbreaking collaboration aims to revolutionize athlete intelligence and performance analytics by bringing together the mission of Cheyney University, the cutting-edge research capabilities of MIT and the expertise of one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises.
Cheyney University’s Sports Analytics Training Camp brings a wealth of practical sports analytics knowledge and real-world experience to the collaboration. Through the camp, aspiring analysts gained hands-on exposure to cutting-edge techniques and tools used in professional sports. By participating in this collaborative initiative, Cheyney’s program will contribute invaluable insights and perspectives from their diverse pool of talented individuals, enabling them to bridge the gap between academia and the sports industry.
“We are honored to join forces with the Philadelphia 76ers and MIT in this groundbreaking initiative,” said Aaron Walton, President of the Cheyney University. “Our program has always aimed to empower the next generation of sports analytics professionals, and this partnership provides an exceptional opportunity to make a tangible impact. By merging the theoretical knowledge of MIT with the practical application provided by the 76ers, we are poised to revolutionize athlete intelligence.”
Senior biology major Kishore Owusu wasn’t sure if this program was for him, considering he’s a computer science major. However, with some assurance from his peers and Vanessa Atkins, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships & Career Pathways, he was encouraged to add this once-in-a-lifetime experience to his repertoire. Now, he wants to encourage students to take chances on themselves.
“This has helped me become a better leader. What I want to emphasize to my fellow Cheyney students is you should get comfortable being uncomfortable,” said Kishore. “Get yourself out there. Learn new skills that can help you in the long run.”
The Philadelphia 76ers have long been at the forefront of embracing data-driven decision-making in the NBA. Through this collaborative effort, the team aims to further enhance their analytical capabilities and gain a competitive edge in player development and game strategies. By leveraging the advanced statistical models and analytical tools developed by MIT, and incorporating the practical insights provided by Cheyney’s Sports Analytics Training Camp, the 76ers are committed to driving innovation and maximizing performance on and off the court.
“One of our goals as an organization is to provide more opportunities for communities who are underrepresented,” said David Gould, chief diversity and impact officer for HBSE. “Part of that is through our HBCU fellowship program providing exposure to possible careers in sports and entertainment. We’re proud to support this partnership and to propel people into industry moving forward.”
Held at the Sixers’ training complex in Camden, New Jersey, the students received hands-on experience working in a group setting. During the weeklong assimilation, the Cheyney scholars evaluated multiple HBSE challenges and provided solutions.
The camp was sparked by Mosaic Development Partners, a Black-owned real estate developer based in North Philadelphia. Mosaic has been instrumental in Cheyney’s redevelopment plans, including the university’s sciences hub where several companies have located to provide services such as biotech and cancer research, agribusiness, lab testing, renewable energy, esports, and 3D printing.
###
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania – Founded in 1837, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania is the nation’s oldest historically Black institution of higher education. Building on this legacy, the vision for Cheyney is to become the premier model for academic excellence, character development, and social responsibility among not only Historically Black Colleges and Universities, but in all of American higher education. The campus is located on 275 acres straddling Delaware and Chester Counties. Read more at www.cheyney.edu.
Philadelphia 76ers – The Philadelphia 76ers, founded in 1946, are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Known for their commitment to excellence and innovation, the 76ers have a rich history in the NBA and are dedicated to leveraging data-driven decision-making to gain a competitive edge.
Mosaic Development Partners JV:
Mosaic Development Partners JV (Mosaic) is a Philadelphia-based, minority certified commercial real estate development company founded in 2008. Mosaic primarily focuses on ground up development and adaptive reuse of land and buildings in marginalized urban centers. The company has successfully used viable and innovative financial and construction methods to help stabilize and grow neighborhoods.
About MIT – The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a world-renowned research institution recognized for its leadership in technological advancements and analytical research. With a focus on pushing the boundaries of knowledge, MIT’s expertise will be instrumental in developing cutting-edge statistical models and machine learning algorithms for athlete intelligence.