HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Sam Houston State men’s basketball coach Jason Hooten has announced the addition of former Oklahoma State standout Phil Forte to his staff as an assistant coach for the upcoming season.
Forte just completed his second season as a graduate student manager on the Saint Louis University men's basketball staff. He earned his master’s degree in organizational leadership in May.
“We are extremely happy to add Phil to our staff and Bearkat family,” Hooten said. “Phil will bring a great amount of energy to our program and help these student-athletes continue to get better. When going through the interview process a lot of Phil’s attributes reminded me of myself 26 years ago when I was starting off in this business.”
During his record-breaking career at OSU, Forte was a three-time All-Big 12 honoree. He scored 1,746 points (sixth in school history) and ended his career as the Cowboys’ record holder with 329 3-pointers made.
Forte guided OSU to four NCAA Tournament appearances during his time in Stillwater. As a senior during the 2016-17 season, Forte averaged 13.3 points per game and led the NCAA in free-throw percentage at 95.5 percent (84 of 88), the fourth-best mark in a single season in NCAA history.
“I’m ecstatic to become a part of Coach Hooten’s staff,” Forte said. “Sam Houston State has proven to consistently be successful year after year. I’m excited about the opportunity to help contribute to the continued success of the Bearkat program.”
The Flower Mound native earned his bachelor’s degree in recreational management while sitting out the majority of the 2015-16 season due to injury. He was a third-team All-Big 12 selection as a junior and was the first-ever recipient of the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year award as a sophomore.
Forte attended Marcus High School and was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2012 Texas Class 5A State Tournament. He averaged 17 points in the state finals, including a game-high 24 in the championship game to lead the Marauders to the state championship.
