George Washington University Athletics
Q & A with @GW_MBB's Matt Hart
8/3/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Don't let his status as junior-eligible or the fact that he has been on campus for the better part of a year fool you. When it comes to Colonials' basketball in game action, Matt Hart is a newcomer. The Orchard Park, New York, native, who spent the 2012-14 seasons at Division III Hamilton College, will make his GW debut this fall when the Colonials open the 2015-16 campaign.
After sitting out for a season due to NCAA transfer rules, the 6-foot-1 guard is gearing up for his first full season of Division I hoops. GWsports.com caught up with Hart at the team's recent photo shoot to hear about the advantages of sitting out for a year, playing in the famed Kenner League and schooling the true freshmen on life in college.
GWsports.com: You had the unique experience of sitting out for a year. How does it feel knowing you are eligible to play this upcoming season?
Matt Hart: It was a rough year for both Tyler Cavanaugh and myself, so knowing that we are eligible as we start these summer practices makes it a very exciting time for both of us. We are ready to go.
GWsports.com: How are summer practices going so far?
MH: Everything is going well and everyone is working very hard. We are really focused right now and everyone is ready for a big year. The pieces are there we just have to put in the work now and once the semester starts to get where we ultimately want to be.
GWsports.com: What do you feel is the most important part of your game that you need to work on heading into the fall?
MH: I think just getting bigger and stronger. I had a lot of time to do that while sitting out last year but now it's a matter of getting used to the physicality of the game at this level.
GWsports.com: How would you rate your performance so far in the Kenner League? Are you comfortable out there?
MH: I am very comfortable with playing in the Kenner League. I feel like I am playing well. I am shooting the ball well, being active on defense and getting in there for rebounds.
GWsports.com: What classes are you taking this summer and what is something interesting that you have learned?
MH: I am taking one course this summer, Medieval Literature, which is something that is new for me. I like learning new things so it is interesting to dive into something that is completely unrelated to my major and kind of take it all in. It's mainly to settle a requirement for my major, which is sociology.
GWsports.com: You have been here for a year already so what is your favorite thing about living in Washington, DC?
MH: I just love that there is endless opportunities here. As you go around the city there are so many museums, monuments and opportunities to learn. I love being here.
GWsports.com: You have that year of experience under your belt and a handful of newcomers here. What kind of wisdom have you passed on to them?
MH: I keep telling them that they have to be patient and let things come to you. They don't have to take down everything in one day. Be patient, keep working hard and keep your head up.
GWsports.com: What are your individual goals for the upcoming season?
MH: I want to help the team in any way I can. Whether its playing two minutes per game or twenty minutes, I want to contribute in any way that I can to help us win and reach our goals.
GWsports.com: Do you have any pregame rituals that people may find interesting?
MH: I have a very extensive shooting routine before games. Probably about two hours before a game I will be out there getting anywhere from between 150 and 200 jump shots up. That is about it when it comes to pregame stuff.
GWsports.com: Who is your funniest teammate?
MH: There are a lot of comedians on this team but Matt Cimino is, by far, at the top of the list. The way he tells stories and acts with the guys has us laughing 24 hours a day. He is a very animated guy.
GWsports.com: What will it be like playing in front of a packed house at the Smith Center.
MH: It is something that I have never really experienced when it comes to actually playing. I have seen it first hand and felt the energy from the bench but the idea of being out there and playing in front of a packed arena has me very excited to get out there this year.
