UK Signee Joey Hart Will Play With a Chip on his Shoulder

UK Athletics Photo

Nate Pace is the sports editor of the Greene County Daily World in Linton, Ind., and he covered the high school career of recent Kentucky signee Joey Hart, a 6-5 guard, in Linton, Ind.

Hart averaged 23.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game for Linton-Stockton High School and shot over 40 percent from 3-point range. His team went 29-2 and reached the Class 2A state championship game before losing last season.

Pace, a long-time UK fan, has shared his insights on Pace this week in a four-part series.

What is one thing about Joey Hart that you think might surprise UK fans?

Pace: “I don’t think Kentucky fans will understand just how athletic he is until they see him play. He is not your stereotypical shooter you put in the corner and hide on defense. He did track and field briefly and it was scary seeing him outrun people the way he did.

“I will also say it is crazy how overlooked he was and still is. He received a few votes for Mr. Basketball in Indiana. It is difficult for players in rural Southern Indiana to be seen. It is similar to how players in rural parts of Kentucky get overlooked.

“His success in AAU is where Hart found himself on the map for college recruiting. He will always play with a chip on his shoulder even though Kentucky is on his jersey.”