Hason Ward Bio
Hason Devere Ward (born September 24, 2000) is a Barbadian-Rwandan professional basketball player for the Maine Celtics of the NBA G League. Standing 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) and listed at 200 lb (91 kg), he plays the power forward position. Ward played college basketball for the VCU Rams and the Iowa State Cyclones before beginning his professional career in 2024.
After going undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft, Ward built his résumé through the NBA G League and the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). He has also represented Rwanda at the senior international level. Known for his shot-blocking and interior defense, Ward continues to develop as a versatile forward.
Early Life and Background
Hason Devere Ward was born on September 24, 2000, in Saint Thomas, Barbados. He holds both Barbadian and Rwandan nationality. He is the son of Lasontha Sealy, and he grew up with a sister and a brother.
In 2015, Ward visited Massachusetts with his father and was recruited to attend Springfield Central High School in Springfield, Massachusetts. He moved in with his aunt who lived in Springfield, which allowed him to complete his high school career in the United States. At Springfield Central, he averaged 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game while helping lead the team to the MIAA State Division I Quarterfinals. As a junior, he blocked 22 shots in a single high school game, an early indication of the defensive instincts that would later define his college career.
Path to Basketball
On May 16, 2019, Ward signed a National Letter of Intent with Virginia Commonwealth University. He chose VCU over offers from Rutgers University, the University of Georgia, Virginia Tech, and several other programs. The decision reflected his rapid development as a defensive frontcourt prospect during his final years at Springfield Central.
During the 2019–2020 season, Ward played in 24 games and averaged 3 points, 2 rebounds, and 15 total blocked shots. As a sophomore in 2020–2021, he appeared in all 26 games, started the final 11, and averaged 6.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. On March 10, 2021, he was named to the Atlantic 10 Conference All-Defensive Team while ranking second in the conference with 2.4 blocks per game.
On April 21, 2022, Ward transferred to Iowa State University to expand his role in the Big 12 Conference. He spent two seasons in Ames, contributing as a rim protector and efficient finisher around the basket.
Hason Ward Career
Early Career (2019–2022)
Ward’s early career at VCU was marked by steady defensive growth. He earned a reputation as one of the Atlantic 10’s most reliable shot-blockers, finishing his sophomore season ranked second in the conference in blocks per game. That performance led to his selection to the Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team in 2021.
His role expanded during his final year in Richmond, when he started the closing stretch of the 2020–2021 season. The experience prepared him for a transfer to a high-major program and signaled his readiness for a larger role on the national stage.
Iowa State Breakthrough (2022–2024)
During the 2022–2023 season at Iowa State, Ward appeared in 23 games and led the team in field goal percentage. He ranked fourth on the team in blocked shots and second with 18 dunks, providing a steady interior presence for the Cyclones.
In 2023–2024, Ward played in 28 games with three starts. He missed nine non-conference games with a foot injury but still averaged 6 points and 3.8 rebounds, ranking second on the team with 33 blocked shots. On April 2, 2024, he was selected to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest at the annual State Farm College Slam Dunk and 3 Point Championships, becoming the first Cyclone ever invited to the event.
Maine Celtics Era (2024–Present)
After going undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft, Ward joined the Sacramento Kings for the 2024 NBA Summer League. On October 16, 2024, he signed with the Boston Celtics but was waived a day later. On October 26, 2024, Ward joined the Maine Celtics, where he has continued to refine his game in the NBA G League.
Ward’s professional résumé also includes stints in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. On May 2, 2024, he signed with the Scarborough Shooting Stars of the CEBL, appearing in 12 games and averaging 6 points and 3 rebounds in roughly 18 minutes per game. He re-signed with the Shooting Stars on May 8, 2025, maintaining a dual path between the G League and Canadian summer competition.
He was named to the Maine Celtics’ 2025–26 opening night roster on November 6, 2025, signaling the organization’s continued investment in his development.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ward’s game is built around interior defense, vertical spacing, and efficient finishing at the rim. He has consistently ranked among his teams’ leaders in blocked shots and field goal percentage, relying on timing, length, and positioning rather than volume scoring. His ability to switch defensively and protect the rim makes him a valuable complementary piece in modern small-ball lineups.
Notable Events and Milestones
His selection to the 2021 Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team and his status as the first Iowa State player ever invited to the State Farm College Slam Dunk Contest in 2024 stand out as signature milestones. Going undrafted in 2024 yet quickly landing NBA Summer League and two-way opportunities also marks a notable early-professional achievement.
Hason Ward Career Wins
Ward’s career is still in its early stages, and he has not yet secured a major individual championship. His verifiable accolades include the 2021 Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team selection and his pioneering appearance in the 2024 State Farm College Slam Dunk Contest as the first Cyclone participant.
Iowa State Highlights
At Iowa State, Ward never finished as a conference champion, but he delivered consistent rim protection and dunk totals that ranked near the top of the Cyclone roster. His 33 blocked shots in 2023–2024 ranked second on the team despite a midseason foot injury that cost him nine non-conference games.
Other Wins & Performances
In the CEBL, Ward contributed to the Scarborough Shooting Stars as a rotation forward, providing defense, rebounding, and efficient scoring during the 2024 and 2025 Canadian summer seasons. In the NBA G League, he has served as a depth frontcourt piece for the Maine Celtics, with his 2025–26 opening night roster spot confirming his standing within the Boston Celtics’ developmental system.
Hason Ward Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ward is the son of Lasontha Sealy. He has a sister and a brother, and he moved from Barbados to Massachusetts in 2015 to live with his aunt, who resided in Springfield. That family support allowed him to pursue high school and college basketball opportunities in the United States.
Personal Life
Ward holds dual Barbadian and Rwandan nationality and was born in Saint Thomas, Barbados. He is not publicly known to be married, and detailed information about his personal relationships has not been widely reported. His family has remained a central part of his journey, from his move to Springfield to his transition through VCU, Iowa State, and the professional ranks.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year marked an important stretch in Ward’s early professional career. In the summer, he re-signed with the Scarborough Shooting Stars of the CEBL on May 8, 2025, returning to a familiar organization for a second Canadian season. He also received international recognition in July 2025, when he was named to Rwanda’s preliminary roster for AfroBasket 2025, a significant milestone in his senior national team career.
On November 6, 2025, Ward was named to the Maine Celtics’ 2025–26 opening night roster, reinforcing his place in the Boston Celtics’ developmental pipeline. The combination of G League action with Maine and international play for Rwanda offered him two competitive platforms to sharpen his game.
Looking ahead, Ward’s focus in the 2025–26 season is on expanding his role with the Maine Celtics, building on his rebounding and shot-blocking strengths, and representing Rwanda at AfroBasket 2025. Continued development as a stretch defender and efficient finisher could position him for future NBA opportunities.