Oklahoma State guard Phil Forte back from elbow injury

Phil Forte

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) – For whatever reason, Oklahoma State guard Phil Forte has flown under the radar.

Maybe it’s because he missed most of last season with an elbow injury. Perhaps it’s because at age 23, he’s older than some graduate assistants. Maybe it’s because the 5-foot-11 senior is, well, 5-foot-11.

He’s a giant in new Oklahoma State coach Brad Underwood’s eyes. Underwood calls himself the “most blessed coach on the planet” because he has a player who embodies the work ethic he is trying to instill in his program.

“Not enough superlatives and adjectives to say in a positive mode about Phil,” Underwood said. “He is one of those guys that no one is talking about, and they should be.”

Forte’s not just a grinder, he’s got an enviable resume. He’s 22nd in school history with 1,307 points and has played in 102 career games.