Multiple people confused New York Knicks guard Josh Hart with someone else on Monday night.
The New York Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night at Madison Square Garden, but still remain in control of the series at 2-1. The Knicks are just two wins away from their first title since 1973.
While watching the game on Monday, some Syracuse men's basketball fans may have noticed multiple people during the game broadcast have a slip of the tongue, which may have put Syracuse hoops back on their minds.
Josh Hart confused with Jason Hart
The Knicks have had a successful run in this year's postseason thanks to the efforts of guard Josh Hart. Entering Monday's Game 3, Hart had averaged 10.2 points and 8.9 rebounds during the postseason run, which has seen the Knicks beat the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers.
A former Villanova Wildcat, Hart helped guide his school to a national championship in 2016. Hart was an All-American and had his number No. 3 retired by his alma mater.
Since entering the NBA in 2017, Hart has carved a strong professional career. The 6-foot-5 forward has spent time as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers and Knicks.
Despite all of his individual success, that did not stop two people from confusing his name, instead giving the name of former Orange player Jason Hart.
ClutchPoints on X noted:
Early in the first half, referee Marc Davis accidentally referred to Josh Hart as "Jason Hart" after giving him a technical foul
During ABC's halftime coverage, analyst Kenny Smith also accidentally called Josh Hart "Jason Hart"
Whether the slip-up was truly in reference to the former Syracuse player, we'll never know, but regardless, it gives us a chance to go down memory lane.
Jason Hart's career with Syracuse and NBA
A Calfornia high school standout, Jason Hart joined the Syracuse basketball program in 1996. In four seasons with the Orange, Hart helped Syracuse to the NCAA tournament three times, including two Sweet 16 appearances. The 6-foot-3 guard was a multiple time All-BIG EAST conference selection. Hart still holds the top spots for most steals in a single season.
After his collegiate career concluded, Hart left Central New York as Syracuse's all-time leader in career steals (329), and ranked second all-time only behind Sherman Douglas in career assists (709).
In the 2000 NBA Draft, Hart was selected in the 2nd round with the 49th overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks.
For the next nine seasons, Jason Hart played for a total of 10 different NBA teams.
Where is Jason Hart now?
In 2024, Mark Pope hired Hart to join his coaching staff at Kentucky. The return to the Wildcats bench was Hart's return to the NCAA ranks for the first time since being a part of the USC Trojans staff in 2021.
In 2026, the Wildcats qualified for the NCAA Tournament but were eliminated in the Round of 32.
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