On Friday, G League Ignite held an introductory press conference for new Head Coach Jason Hart. Led by NBA G League President, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Ignite officially entered a new era as year two of the program edges ever closer.
The 43-year-old replaces Brian Shaw, who has returned to the NBA, joining the Los Angeles Clippers as an Assistant Coach. Hart has spent the last eight seasons at USC, where he was promoted to Associate Head Coach in the 2017-18 season.
“It’s been a dream of mine to become a Head Coach and with this opportunity to coach some of the next young NBA stars, it was a no brainer for me.” said Hart.
Being an integral piece to USC’s rise in recent years, the new Ignite Head Coach has assisted in the development of numerous NBA talents. Including Evan Mobley, Onyeka Okongwu, and Kevin Porter Jr.
Hart had a 10-year playing career between 2000 and 2010, where he made 341 NBA appearances. In those contests, he holds career averages of 4.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
Following the conclusion of his playing career, the Los Angeles native coached AAU basketball. In addition, he served as the Head Coach at Taft High School in Southern California. With further experience at Pepperdine University and USC, Hart has coached at every level of the game.
“Jason joins Ignite with extensive experience, on all levels. We’re excited, one, for what Jason brings to us in his character, in his reputation,” said Shareef Abdur-Rahim. “We think he is the perfect person to now build on the success we had in year one with the first group of Team Ignite, and now as we continue to move this initiative forward for the G League.”
Over the years, Hart has established many relationships, including with Abdur-Rahim. Of whom, opened up about his friendship with the new Ignite Head Coach stretching over a 20-year period. The appointment of the former USC Trojan certainly sounded like a speedy process.
“I enquired about the job and I was offered a chance to interview for the job. I think the process came kind of fast, but it was also one that I think I was ready for,” stated Hart. “I’m just happy to have got the opportunity, and I’m looking forward to growing as a coach and continuing to learn the game and to better myself as a coach.”
Hart revealed that he spent time with former Ignite Head Coach Brian Shaw at NBA Summer League. Who urged him to “take each day one day at a time” and to “have fun” with the experience.
Under the tutelage of Shaw, Ignite held a 8-8 record in the 2021 G League bubble, achieving a playoff berth. Ignite’s inaugural season saw Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga be selected second and seventh, respectively, in the 2021 NBA Draft.
The second year of the program features two top-10 recruits in Jaden Hardy and Michael Foster Jr. As well as highly-ranked 17-year-old Scoot Henderson and Dyson Daniels, an Australian prospect who was been impressing in the NBA Global Academy.
Packed with another talented cast, Ignite will be looking to replicate the success of year one. Although, the new boss is setting his sights even higher.
“Since its inception, Ignite has gained worldwide attention, and I look forward to building on that momentum and taking the program to even greater heights,” declared Hart.
One thing that will remain, however, will be the high-level of publicity surrounding the G League Ignite set-up. As another set of elite prospects are set to begin their professional basketball journeys.
Featured Image Credit: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Author: Matt Evans (@MattEvansCU)
Call-Ups, Providing Coverage of G League Ignite 