From Grassroots to Greatness: The Tech-Driven Rise of 902 Hoops

Basketball wasn’t always the game for Robbie McGee. But today, as CEO and Director of Business Development for 902 Hoops—the largest adult basketball league in Atlantic Canada—he’s all in.

902 Hoops: From Grassroots to Greatness

McGee’s love of basketball began with a casual invite to a junior high tryout and a misunderstanding about what a layup was. But that first foray landed McGee on the B-team, and it sparked something lasting. Basketball quickly became a sanctuary—especially when McGee’s family moved 120 kilometers away from Halifax, and the gym became his second home. Years later, McGee also passed his love of the game down to his son.

“My son started playing at five, progressed through provincial and prep teams, and eventually landed a university spot. But then COVID hit, and the momentum he had built came to a standstill. He took a step back from the sport, and with it, a piece of his identity faded,” said McGee.

Determined to keep the dream alive, McGee was already helping run basketball tournaments, including a major full-court event where winners had the chance to compete in New York for a world title.

“My son had won our local qualifier and caught the attention of a coach from Rochester, who was ready to offer a scholarship—if we could provide recent footage. That’s when I discovered 902 Hoops.”

Participating in the league seemed like the perfect solution, and McGee additionally saw an opportunity to help organize and enhance 902 Hoops.

Reshaping the 902 Hoops player experience

Taking over 902 Hoops meant rethinking the way the league operated. McGee first focused on relationships—working closely with referees, gym owners, and suppliers to create a professional and structured environment. But beyond logistics, he knew the league needed to give players more than just a place to play.

“Engagement was key. I started by implementing live streaming, so families and friends could follow along. Then came highlights and statistics—critical tools for players who wanted to track their progress, secure scholarships, or just improve their game.”

But managing stats and highlights manually was overwhelming. Watching up to 12 games a day, pausing and rewinding footage to log performance data, was unsustainable.

“Even if I had hired multiple people, I would have still been spending thousands of dollars on labor—without the benefit of fast highlights or in-depth performance analysis. And that’s when I discovered SportsVisio, and it completely changed our game.”

Using AI to analyze data quickly and deliver quality insights

SportsVisio’s AI-powered app became the missing piece in McGee’s vision for 902 Hoops. The app not only automated stats collection but also created highlight reels, allowing players to see their strengths and weaknesses with professional-level insights.

In just a year and a half, 902 Hoops has grown from 200 to 600 players, and feedback has been phenomenal. Players are not only engaging more but are also spending hours reviewing their own performance, identifying areas for improvement, and celebrating their wins.

“The ability to self-reflect through analytics has been a revelation—players are seeing things they never knew they were doing.”

And the impact is bigger than individual growth alone.

“We recently got a professional basketball team back in Halifax, and three players from our league have already signed with them. Before 902 Hoops and SportsVisio, the basketball journey might have ended after college. Now, talented players have a direct pathway to the professional level.”

Looking ahead and expanding the vision

This September, 902 Hoops is launching female and male youth divisions for ages U10, U12, U14, and U16. The highest-tier division will be modeled as a competitive pathway for young athletes aiming for scholarships and elite programs. The ability to compile a portfolio of highlights and verified stats will be critical for kids who might have otherwise been overlooked.

“SportsVisio has helped us turn 902 Hoops into more than just a league—it’s a legitimate platform for career growth. Players can now showcase their talent with concrete data, bridging the gap between local leagues and professional opportunities.”

According to McGee, the SportsVisio app has been a transformative tool.

“For any league considering SportsVisio, it’s important to understand—it’s not just a stats app. It’s the glue that holds everything together. It’s the connective tissue between players, coaches, recruiters, and families. If you’re investing time and effort into your game, you need a tool that can measure and enhance that investment. SportsVisio is that tool, and for 902 Hoops, it’s been nothing short of revolutionary.”