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BB RECRUITING

Rutgers “in the mix” with Kentucky, Indiana for 3-star wing Joey Hart

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No. 33 Joey Hart is a 2023 shooter now being sought after by several high majors. James Weber/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

With Rutgers men’s basketball in need of a shooter for next season following the unexpected departure of Cam Spencer, they’re reportedly pursuing 3-star wing Joey Hart. While RU is looking at options through the transfer portal, Jeff Goodman reported on Saturday night that they’re “in the mix” for the sought after shooter from Linton, Indiana. Steve Pikiell and the coaching staff rarely leave any stone unturned and recruiting Hart this late in the cycle makes sense. However, the competition is fierce per Goodman.

Hart is a 6’5” wing that was originally committed to Central Florida (UCF). However, he decommitted in May and asked to be released from his national letter of intent. He received his release on May 16 and has seen his stock risen ever since.

While he previously held almost a dozen offers including from Northwestern and Loyola-Chicago, he‘s now also being recruited by Kentucky and Indiana. Whether Rutgers gets Hart on campus for a visit remains to be seen. However, this shows they’re doing their due diligence in exploring all options.

Editor’s note 6/4: There is now speculation that Hart is a silent commit to Kentucky.

Hart played at a high level his senior season this past winter. He was named a Indiana All-Star and averaged 23.6 points per game. He also shot 41% from three-point range. Hart was instrumental in leading Linton to the 2A state finals. He. was considered one of the best players in Indiana this past season.

In April, he played in a prestigous state all-star game at the site that the iconic movie Hoosiers was filmed and had a big performance.

The Indiana native can really shoot. He has a high release point, nice touch, deep range and is a fundamentally sound player. He’s athletic, dunks with authority, can create his own shot and has a high basketball IQ. While he needs to add muscle to his frame to hold up with the rigors of high major basketball, he’s already a tough player with good body control.

While his shooting ability is his obvious strength, Hart has the potential to develop into a more complete player at the next level. He appears to be a good fit for Rutgers, both as a shooter and someone who can grow within the program. A coach’s son, Hart has steadily improved throughout his career.

The Scarlet Knights currently have at least three scholarships open for next season.  More to come on their pursuit of Hart, who could pair with 4-star Gavin Griffiths as two high level shooting freshman in Piscataway.

Watch senior season highlights of Joey Hart below.

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2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. RUinChiTown

    June 4, 2023 at 11:31 am

    Sounds like a high quality prospect. Do we know of the RU staff has seen him in person?

    For whom does he play club bb?

    Taking a kid out from under the noses of the hosers would add to the fun!

  2. pj43

    June 4, 2023 at 1:10 pm

    Uh, count me in on this kid. Looks like he can score around the basket comfortably with either hand too. Yeh, he’s a shooter but he’s athletic & knows how to move without the ball & demonstrates the high basketball IQ his coach mentioned. Speaking of the coach, I know these are highlights, but this is a HIGH SCHOOL team he’s coaching that’s playing fundamentally sound half court basketball in terms of spacing, moving without the ball, making & finding the back door cut. And, he’s doing it without an all star AAU roster of 4 & 5* players! Ok, I’ll stop there! I hope this recruit gives RU a good, serious look and sees the opportunity he has to play valuable minutes that may not be available elsewhere.

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