Kentucky has confirmed the addition of Jason Hart as an assistant coach, following his three-year tenure leading the NBA G League Ignite. Mark Pope, the head coach of the Wildcats, expressed his excitement about Hart’s appointment, praising his coaching qualities and his dedication to the game.
Pope highlighted Hart’s energy, fearlessness, and passion for basketball, noting his impressive background as a player at Syracuse and during his decade-long NBA career. Hart’s coaching experience spans various levels of basketball, from high school to the NBA, making him a valuable addition to the Kentucky coaching staff.
In his statement, Hart expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Big Blue Nation, acknowledging the passionate fan base and his commitment to the players and the program. He thanked Mitch Barnhart and Mark Pope for their trust in him and expressed gratitude to his family for their support.
Hart will assume one of the assistant coaching roles on Pope’s debut UK staff, as well as one of the three recruiting positions. His extensive basketball career includes playing point guard at Syracuse and spending a decade in the NBA, where he was teammates with Pope.
Before joining Kentucky, Hart served as an assistant coach at Pepperdine and USC, where he showcased his recruiting prowess by attracting talented prospects to the Trojans. He then transitioned to coaching NBA G League Ignite, where he mentored several promising recruits.
Hart’s appointment marks the second official addition to Pope’s coaching staff, following Cody Fueger. Mark Fox is expected to join the staff soon, further bolstering Kentucky’s coaching lineup.
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