Director of Sport, Dr Dave Parry has praised Joe and believes he will help the Rebels build for the future.
Dr Parry 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.
"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."