Phil Forte Joins West Virginia Men’s Basketball Coaching Staff
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University men’s basketball head coach Ross Hodge has appointed Phil Forte as an assistant coach, bolstering the team’s coaching lineup. A Flower Mound, Texas native, Forte has eight seasons of Division I coaching experience, including the last two years with North Texas, where he significantly impacted the program’s success.
Under Forte’s guidance, the Mean Green achieved impressive milestones, winning 27 games last season and making it to the semifinals of the NIT. They ranked third nationally for scoring defense, allowing an average of 60.1 points per game, just behind Houston. This performance contributed to one of the most efficient offenses and defenses in the AAC, culminating in the second-most single-season wins in North Texas history.
In his first season with North Texas, Forte helped the Mean Green win 19 games and advance to the second round of the NIT. He played a key role in recruiting top talents, including first-team all-conference guard Jason Edwards. In total, Forte’s contributions over two seasons led to 46 wins for the program.
Before his tenure at North Texas, Forte was an assistant at Saint Louis, where he aided the team in attaining back-to-back 20-win seasons and an NIT bid. His coaching journey began at Sam Houston, achieving a commendable record there as well.
Forte, a standout player at Oklahoma State from 2012-2017, ranks among the program’s most notable guards with a record for 3-point field goals and substantial points scored. “I’m excited to get to work here in Morgantown," Forte expressed, highlighting his eagerness to work under Hodge’s leadership and reaffirming confidence in West Virginia basketball’s future.
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