Josh Hart doesn’t quit.
He joined Scouting as a Tiger, progressed through the Cub Scouting ranks and crossed over into Troop 1083 of Rockville, Md. But in high school, he shifted his focus to basketball, stepping away from his troop before earning Eagle Scout. His father, Moses, reminded him about keeping his word.
“He had made a promise to me that he would finish,” Moses Hart recalled during an ESPN interview that aired several years ago. “You don’t quit; you finish what you started.”
And that’s just what the younger Hart did.
He worked diligently, earning the required merit badges and leading a group of volunteers in refurbishing his church’s picnic area and back building. He earned Eagle in 2013, a week before turning 18 years old.
“[Scouting] teaches you certain things in every walk of life,” Josh Hart said in the same ESPN interview. “It teaches you leadership, how to Be Prepared. Don’t feel like things are too much. Just push through it, and that’s when your character comes through.”
This week, Hart was named an official Scouting America ambassador. The lessons he learned in Scouting have not only helped him in his nine-year pro basketball career; they’ve also helped him in life.
Leader on the court
Over his career, the 31-year-old has gone through season-ending surgeries, has been traded a few times and hasn’t always been selected as a starter. But over the past season, Hart has emphasized being a servant to his team’s success.
“I’m a servant to these guys,” he said in one post-game interview. “I’m big in my faith. I pray for humility all the time.”
Those values paid off. During his team’s recent impressive playoff run this season, Hart stepped up when his team needed him, snagging rebounds, playing stifling defense and hyping up his teammates. And when the final shot of the opposing team bounced harmlessly off the backboard, Hart pumped his fists and embraced his teammates, who flooded the court in jubilation. Together, they had brought the team its first championship in 53 years.
It took hard work, servant leadership and never giving up.
Sharing Scouting
Hart credits Scouting for helping him with determination, meeting deadlines and teamwork. Some of his favorite memories came from camping with his troop. In an interview with Scouter Ed Lynes, Hart likened being “out there” to playing basketball away from the home gym.
“When you’re on the road and in a tough environment, it’s you and your team,” said Hart, whose older brother is also an Eagle Scout. “Same thing out there. You never know what could happen on the trail: Someone could break something or tear something. You need to pick up that load. You have everyone depending on each other. You’re developing that leadership role when you’re out there.”
Hart was also a leader on the court in college, becoming the leading scorer on his 2016 NCAA national championship team.
His work ethic has continued to reward him at different stages of his life. And it all started when he was a Scout.
“So put your head down, and know while it’s not easy, it’s gonna be worth it,” Hart said. “Because Scouting is gonna help you in the real world.”
Photographs by Alika Jenner/Getty Images and courtesy of Josh Hart
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