Born in Marion, South Carolina, Tart went to Roosevelt High School in West Palm Beach, Florida.

The 6'2" (later listed as 6'3"), 195-pound (88 kg) guard Tart played college basketball at Bradley University with Joe Strawder.

Tart was drafted by the Boston Celtics of the NBA and was the final player cut from their roster by Red Auerbach prior to the 1964–65 season.

Tart played his entire professional career in the ABA, where he was known for effective drives to the basket, acrobatic shots with either hand, elusive speed and precise body and ball control on the floor.

Nine days after playing in the ABA All-Star game, on January 18, 1968, Tart was traded to the New Jersey Americans for Barry Leibowitz.

In large part due to Tart's outstanding play the Nets went to their first ever full ABA playoff series, which they lost in seven games to the Kentucky Colonels.

The Texas Chaparrals obtained Tart and Ed Johnson from the New York Nets on January 6, 1971, in exchange for Manny Leaks.