Ex-NBA Guard Jason Hart Named Coach Of G League Ignite

The G League Ignite have named Jason Hart head coach for the team’s second season, with Hart replacing Brian Shaw.

“Jason’s commitment to developing high-character young men and his experience across all levels of basketball make him the perfect fit to lead Ignite,” G League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim said in a statement. “I am excited to have him guide this team as we continue to build Ignite as the premiere program for the world’s best young players.” 

Hart has spent the last eight years as an assistant at USC, including the last three as associate head coach. Prior to that, he spent two years as an assistant at Pepperdine.

He played in the NBA for 10 years after being selected by the Bucks in the second round (No. 49 overall) of the 2000 draft. A 6-foot-3 point guard, Hart played for nine teams during his NBA career.

“From the moment I looked at this opportunity, I was confident that this was the ideal job for me,” Hart said. “Since my retirement from the NBA, I have coached basketball at every level, learning what it takes to help young men achieve their dreams of playing in the NBA.

“I will give every ounce of energy and knowledge that I have to making sure each young man is able to fulfill his potential.”

The Ignite finished 8-8 last season and made the playoffs last season under Shaw.