Knicks’ Josh Hart Swears by Devouring Candy As Pregame Ritual

The New York guard has quite the sweet tooth.

Some NBA players listen to a specific playlist to get amped for a game or enjoy a certain pregame meal. LeBron James does his patented chalk toss before taking the court. Steph Curry usually attempts some wild trick shots during Warriors’ warm-ups.

For Knicks guard Josh Hart, though, it’s all about the candy. And lots of it.

Before every game, Hart is seen at his locker with a family-sized bag of Mike and Ike candy and a bag of popcorn, according to The New York Post’s Stefan Bondy.

Mike & Ikes are a key part of Hart’s pregame ritual, dating back to his high school days :: Nell Redmond/USA TODAY Sports

It’s a ritual Hart has followed since his high school days in Maryland. He brought the sweet habit to college while starring at Villanova, and even attempted to hide candy boxes from coach Jay Wright.

“I’d dump a box of Mike and Ike in my parka,” Hart told Bondy of his days at Villanova. “Because if they ever saw me with it, they’d make me throw it out. So I had to sneak it and hide it. 

“Like I was like a little fat kid.”

In 23 games this season, Hart is averaging 8.2 points and 6.0 rebounds while primarily coming off the Knicks’ bench. He is teammates once again with former Villanova stars Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo.

Hart and the Knicks (13–10), currently sixth in the Eastern Conference, battle the Suns (13–11) on Friday at Footprint Center.

Hart will certainly be scanning the Phoenix area for a big bag of Mike and Ike candy before the matchup.