AN Essex Rebels star player who represented Great Britain is to coach the men’s team and inspire the next generation of basketballers in his home county.
Team GB forward Joe Hart will steer the Rebels' division one men’s side, after long-standing coach Ross Norfolk stood down.
The 31-year-old steps up to lead his former team-mates after sharpshooting stints in Germany, Italy, and Spain.
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Hart joined the Rebels last year after a 12-year career which with sides like Plymouth City Patriots and Newcastle Eagles, where he won the British Basketball League Trophy in the 2016-17 season.
After joining Essex, he quickly became a fan favourite and has become heavily involved in the Rebels community, even coaching junior Rebels and GB sides in his spare time.
He said: “I’m keen on development and I want people to come here get better and leave the Rebels in a better place whilst fulfilling their potential.
“I am passionate about the youth programme and helping talented players, my dream scenario is bringing someone in as an under-12 making it through to the first team and study at the university.
“I really want to help build the culture we have here and tap into the fact this is the South East’s only professional club and we provide high-level basketball to amazing fans.
“I just want to thank Ross for his time here it is cool to be in a position to follow in his legacy and pass on some of the lessons he taught me and continue the journey he started.”
Hart is set to build on his on-court success which saw the Rebels make it to the play-off quarter-finals this season.
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He added: “I’m a competitive person and everything I do I want to win, but I want to do things the right way.
“I want to compete in this tough league, we’re going to put together a great roster and I want to get the club silverware and compete in finals.”
Hart, from Southend-on-Sea, was part of the history-making side as Essex hosted the Bristol Flyers in the Super League Basketball (SLB) Cup.
This landmark match marked the Rebels’ debut in the prestigious SLB Cup and their first-ever Essex Sport Arena Friday night game.
University of Essex director of sport Dr Dave Parry has praised Hart and believes he will help the Rebels build for the future.
He said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Joe Hart to the basketball coaching staff at the University of Essex.
“As an Essex boy we have followed his career closely and have been able to see his leadership qualities on the court up close over the past season.
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“Alongside a stellar playing career, Joe brings experience in coaching roles gained from academy and university positions, right through to being an assistant coach in the British professional league, and he will be assistant coach for GB U16 Men this Summer.
“Alongside this experience, Joe has also part of UK Sport’s prestigious athlete to coach programme, further supporting his professional development.
“Essex Rebels have a successful track record of supporting young, up-and-coming coaches to develop their craft and achieve success, and I am excited to see how Joe can add his own chapters to the basketball story at the University of Essex.”
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