ShotTracker benchmark: KC tech gets waiver to be used courtside by coaches at Hall of Fame Classic

A score in the basket of history, Merriam-based ShotTracker has landed another monumental first, the company announced Tuesday, further positioning it as a leader in the Kansas City tech space.

“ShotTracker is proud to drive this next stage of growth in college basketball,” Davyeon Ross, co-founder and COO said of the company’s latest NCAA collaboration that will see coaches using ShotTracker technology from the bench — a first for the sport that had previously barred coaches from using tech on the court.

“The power and applications of this technology will have a significant impact on college basketball,” said Ross, a serial entrepreneur and investor in Kansas City’s startup community.

ShotTracker technology will make its debut at the NCAA Hall of Fame Classic in November, allowing coaches from Missouri State, Nebraska, Texas Tech and USC to access live stats and analytics captured by on-court and player worn sensors, beamed straight to iPads, according to the company.

Allowing tech on the court is a momentous stride for the sport of basketball, said David Stern, NBA Commissioner Emeritus and investor in ShotTracker.

In August, the company announced the Hall of Fame Classic would outfit players and the Sprint Center in Kansas City with ShotTracker technology. The company also said it would use augmented reality to roll out improvements to its fan app and employ new technology for broadcasters like ESPN — who will carry the tournament — to better analyze and call games.

Despite the increased momentum and growing exposure, Ross has said he will never stop viewing ShotTracker as a startup. Partnerships with the NCAA are just the beginning of the company’s commitment to innovating the sport of basketball, he said.