Jason Hart (basketball)

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.

Hart joined the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2000–01 season, but he only saw action in one game, scoring two points.

Starting the 2001–02 season in the newly created NBDL with the Asheville Altitude, he was called in December by the San Antonio Spurs, appearing in 10 games. He played in the Greek A1 League with Makedonikos BC in 2002–03, returning to the Spurs for the 2003–04 season, where he participated in 53 games, averaging 3.3 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 pre-season 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] Although originally the backup to Deron Williams, an injury that forced him to sit for 8 games, and other backup Ronnie Price's solid play during that time, has now 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]

After his playing career ended, Hart coached AAU basketball in Los Angeles and served as head coach at Taft High School in LA. On May 12, 2012, Hart was hired as an assistant coach at Pepperdine, under head coach Marty Wilson.[9] In 2013, he joined Andy Enfield's staff at the University of Southern California.[10]

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.[11]

• List of NCAA Division I men's basketball career steals leaders

• NBA.com Profile - Jason Hart
• NBDL Stats
• OrangeHoops Profile