Celtics reportedly sign former Massachusetts high school star to contract

Hason Ward played high-school basketball at Springfield Central.

The Celtics are reportedly adding a former Massachusetts high-school standout to their roster.

Boston signed 6-foot-9 forward Hason Ward to an Exhibit 10 contract, according to his agency. Ward hails from St. Thomas, Barbados, but attended high school at Springfield Central — where he put himself on the radar of Division I programs due to his size and shot-blocking capabilities.

Ward was a force during his high school career, blocking 22 shots in one game as a junior with the Golden Eagles. He averaged 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks during his senior year at Springfield Central before moving on to the collegiate ranks.

The athletic big man spent five total seasons in college, logging his first three years at Virginia Commonwealth University before transferring to Iowa State for two years. Ward came off the bench last year for a Cyclones team that advanced all the way to the Sweet 16.

Ward appeared in 28 games (three starts) with Iowa State last season, averaging 6.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.

He previously signed with the Sacramento Kings for the 2024 Summer League after wrapping up his collegiate career.

With Boston needing to trim down their roster by Monday, Ward has a slim chance of opening the season in the NBA ranks. But signing Ward to an Exhibit 10 contract allows the Celtics to keep Ward within the organization — as Boston will retain his G League rights if the team waives him in the next few days.

After establishing himself as a basketball talent in Western Massachusetts, Ward is now expected to continue to develop in the New England area — be it in Boston or with the Maine Celtics in Portland.

Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.