The power of Lafayette: Mathematics meets basketball

Brian Leitz ’26 may not be a player on the Lafayette men’s basketball team, but he’s still making major contributions to its success. Alongside Trent Gaugler, associate professor of mathematical sciences, and Jeff Liebner, associate professor and assistant department head of mathematical sciences, the mathematics and economics double major crunches numbers on the team’s plays and performances far beyond the official game statistics.

Armed with statistical recommendations and focused performance strategies on how to grow their competitive edge, Lafayette’s student-athletes aren’t just playing their hearts out—they’re putting academics into action.

In a video presented to more than 60 guests at the College’s Bicentennial event in Austin, Texas, Leitz and his mentors shared how working on impactful research is a highlight of the Lafayette experience.

Video by Olivia Giralico and Alfred Greenbaum