Jason Keema Hart (born April 29, 1978) is an American basketball coach and former professional player who is the head coach of the NBA G League Ignite. He was born in Los Angeles.
College career
From 1996 to 2000, he attended New York's Syracuse University, where he became the first freshman in the Big East Conference's history to lead it in minutes played. Later on, he earned other accolades as an NCAA player, such as becoming his college's all-time leader in steals and second place among assist leaders. As a senior, Hart made the Big East's All-First Team.[1] He was also selected to the Syracuse All-Century Basketball team.
NBA career
Hart joined the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2000–01 season, but he only saw action in one game, scoring two points.
Hart was signed by the Bobcats as a free agent before the 2004–05 season, and made the first steal in Bobcats history in their first game. Previously, in a 128–126 losing effort in their second preseason game, Hart made a three-point shot as time expired to send the game against the Washington Wizards into a second overtime en route to 19 points.
In the 2004–05 season, Hart set career highs in many categories including: points per game (9.5), assists per game (5.0), and rebounds per game (2.7). He finished third in the league in assist-to-turnover ratio, with 3.6 assists for every turnover. After the season, Hart was traded to the Sacramento Kings.
On March 2, 2007, Hart was waived by the Kings.[2] He was signed a few days later by the Los Angeles Clippers.[3] On July 13, 2007, Hart signed with the Utah Jazz.[4] Originally serving as the backup to Deron Williams, an injury forced him to sit for 8 games. Ronnie Price's solid play during that time, nearly removed him from the rotation.
On July 23, 2008, Hart was traded back to the Clippers in exchange for Brevin Knight.[5]
On February 27, 2009, Hart was waived by the Clippers.[6]
On March 3, 2009, Hart was signed by the Nuggets for the remainder of the season.
On September 28, 2009, Hart signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves.[1] He was traded to the Phoenix Suns on December 29, 2009, for Alando Tucker and cash. The Suns immediately waived him.[7] On February 5, 2010, Hart signed a ten-day contract with the New Orleans Hornets.[8] Hart's final NBA game was on February 10, 2010, in a 93–85 win over the Boston Celtics. In his final game, Hart recorded two assists and one rebound.
Jason Hart is married to his high school sweetheart, Brandi Hart. They live with their two sons Jason Jr and Justin. Hart's cousin is 2011–12 Syracuse Orange men's basketball player Brandon Triche.[12]
