Jason Hart to SMU staff

Hush4872

Sophomore
Oct 9, 2025
80
173
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Considering one of the front runners for the position is a member of the LDS that supposedly help make the Mark Pope hire happen, I wouldn’t hold my breath…
My hope is that Hill supposedly pushing for Pope and Pope failing so badly would disqualify him from the running, but I guess we'd need an administration that cares about winning, so you're probably right.
 
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SkyPrince

Senior
Jul 7, 2025
533
901
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Except he was the lead recruiter for Stokes. Which mean we're not getting him.

Which means Mark Pope as approximately 284 days to save his ***.
I dont think Hart changes things with Stokes.
The true lead recruiter for Stokes are the boosters.
 

SkyPrince

Senior
Jul 7, 2025
533
901
93
I appreciate the optimism. I don't see it happening now. Would LOVE to be wrong.
I have no idea but he wasn't ever coming here because of Hart.
The monetary offer is the only thing that's keeping UK in this recruitment.
 
Jul 6, 2025
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Hart was the setup man. Pope is supposed to be the closer. Except he hasn’t been able to close on anyone.

Hart never had a problem landing recruits when he was with Enfield at USC. This only became a problem when he came on Popes staff. We all know what the problem is, and we have over 10 years of evidence to prove it.

Ab3 was right there with Cal as best recruiter in the nation. He and Hart come here and can't land anyone despite willingly overpaying anyone that will say yes.

So yes there's a problem alright, it just isn't one they're causing.
 

ZaytovenCat

All-American
Apr 25, 2013
23,880
8,404
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Thank god. Dude was awful. Was hired here because of his supposed recruiting connections and we see how well he did there… Couldn’t even recruit his own godson to UK.
 

ZaytovenCat

All-American
Apr 25, 2013
23,880
8,404
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Huge loss! Better coach, better recruiter, and has way more connections than Pope.

My guess… He saw the train wreck for what it was, and stayed “quiet” until the end of the season. No way Pope would internally replace him!
Huge? Hart was god awful here. Was hired to be the lead recruiter and he got his *** kicked on basically every single higher ranked kid he went after (including his godson).
 

Beatle Bum

Heisman
Sep 1, 2002
41,464
63,301
113
Our players really seemed to connect with Hart. He wants to be an HC and if he thinks that is his best pathway, I wish him well. SMU was made for NIL. Their football and basketball teams have been on the rise as a result. Thanks Coach Hart!
 

Stenchymouse

All-American
Jul 31, 2005
12,730
6,458
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He was the only assistant I thought was decent.
Honestly, I have no idea what any of the assistants do, so I don't know how to evaluate them as a fan.

He may have been a bad fit and hurting team chemistry? We just don't know.

I didn't see him help much with recruiting, so I don't have any opinion on the matter.
 

Doc4UK!

All-Conference
Aug 14, 2003
2,789
1,755
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Told Orlando Antigua to walk, only to replace him with Jason Hart. Just because Antigua was formerly associated with Calipari. Like Antigua would be some sort of spy for Calipari. That's when I knew Pope was in likely in over his head...
Antigua's family still lives in Lexington. Would be a good move to bring him back.
 
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Farsight Clone

All-Conference
Aug 30, 2025
2,416
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the fact that he left here to go to SMU tells you all you need to know about how in demand he was. compare this to when lucas left the staff to go to duke.. this is probably a good thing
I agree. Lucas was held back for whatever reason and I wonder if Hart was the same.
 

Rainmaker

All-Conference
May 13, 2015
991
2,329
93
@Rainmaker does this change things with stokes and pate?
It’s bad for Pate, Hart was the connection. We’d have to overpay for him now and I don’t see that happening. I think Mason Williams, Mo Williams son signs after his visit and Pates off the board if that happens IMO. Staff sees the writing on the wall with Harts departure and that’s why Williams is coming on the visit. Quinn Ellis is a real possibility, so Lowe 65% to return IMO , Ellis and Williams as PG options. I’ve heard some decent assistant options and GM options being tossed around which could be a help if we get the right guys on staff.

Hart doesn’t hurt as much with Stokes as it wasn’t the connection with the recruiter but the dollars that has him a UK lean. I say 60% we land him at this point with a decision within 3-4 weeks. We end up with 2-3 foreign players IMO and they will be good signings.
 
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