Mark Pope described hiring Jason Hart for his Kentucky coaching staff as an easy decision. Since joining in April, Pope has been building not only a new roster but also a strong coaching team, and Hart—a former NBA player with extensive coaching experience across all levels—was a standout choice.
Hart’s reputation as a coach is stellar, and Pope emphasized that his hiring was a “no-brainer.” Previously a head coach in the G League, Hart has shown coaching potential that could quickly lead him to an NBA role. According to Pope, Hart’s talent is remarkable, and he could easily transition to an NBA assistant coach or even a head coaching role in a few years. Pope highlighted Hart’s exceptional basketball IQ, his skill in developing players, and his talent for building strong relationships, making him widely respected throughout the sport.
After being hired at Kentucky, Hart even turned down an NBA coaching opportunity, demonstrating his commitment to the program in Lexington. Pope acknowledges Kentucky’s fortune in securing an assistant of Hart’s caliber, as he continues to showcase his expertise at every level of the game.
