University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Above The Rim With The Golden Eagles
10/17/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Above The Rim With The Golden Eagles
Note: As the 2002-03 basketball season approaches, SouthernMiss.com will regularly
feature a look at a member of this year's Golden Eagle squad, travel diaries of some upcoming trips or other aspects of the program that many Golden Eagle fans might not be aware of. We start, this week, with freshman guard Jason Forte (6-5, 205) of Bay Springs, Miss., who comes into Head Coach James Green's program as one of the most highly-recruited players in the state last season, as well as with high-scoring credentials. The true freshman is athletic and needs only experience to become a
mainstay for the Golden Eagle program. He played for Coach Ronald Norman at Bay Springs, where he averaged 28 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals a game as a senior. He earned first-team all-state honors as a senior, was a McDonald's All-American nominee as a senior and a member of the Clarion-Ledger's Dandy Dozen
Team. He was named to the honor roll all four years in high school and played in the
Mississippi-Alabama High School All-Star game, following his senior season at Bay Springs.)
SouthernMiss.com: "How well have you adapted to playing at the major college level?
Forte: "I think I've adapted pretty quickly. It was hard at first, getting up early, and working hard every day, but it has already gotten easier.
SouthernMiss.com: "What has been the hardest thing you've had to get accustomed to?
Forte: "The early morning practices, without a doubt. Getting out of bed that early. Working hard in practice isn't that hard for me, I'm used to that. I did it in high school at Bay Springs. Our system there was a lot like what Coach Green uses here, so the hard work isn't a problem. The early morning practices took some getting used to, though.
SouthernMiss.com: "What's the biggest difference you've found between the high school and college levels?
Forte: "It has to be that here, basically everyone is talented. In high school, you might find one or two players who were as talented as you; but, at the college level that evens out quickly, and just about everyone is even.
SouthernMiss.com: "How hard has it been for you making the move from high school to
college, academically?
Forte: "I haven't had any trouble in that area. With all the help they give us in the academic center, tutors, study hall and so forth, it really has helped make the adjustment. I came out of high school, where I graduated with honors, so it really hasn't been a major adjustment for me. The tutors have done a good job of working with the young players to help us understand what we can look for in the classroom, how to take better notes, how to get the most out of classroom time by paying closer attention, planning and scheduling study time, that has all been helpful for me.
SouthernMiss.com: "What kind of goals did you set for yourself as a freshman?
Forte: "I just want to contribute as much as I can. I know I have a lot to learn about the college game, but I work hard, and I hope that hard work will enable me to play a lot this year. But, I want to do whatever I can to help us win another Conference championship.
SouthernMiss.com: "What has been your biggest thrill playing the game?
Forte: "I've played on some good teams, won a lot of tournaments, and that kind of thing, but probably my biggest thrill was scoring 55 points in a game and set our school scoring record. I'm sure there will be bigger memories as I continue playing here at Southern Miss, but for the time I played in high school, I really enjoyed that 55-point game.
SouthernMiss.com: "What do you think are your best basketball skills?
Forte: "I really think I have a good feel for the game, that I understand the game, and that I have the ability to score. I wouldn't want it to sound wrong, but I really think that I'm a great shooter. It's just something that has always come easy and naturally for me. I also like to get a lot of players involved in the game. That makes it more fun for everyone.
