Oversight results in OSU's Forte changing number
BY KELLY HINES World Sports Writer
Friday, January 25, 2013
1/25/13 at 6:34 PM
Starting with Saturday's game against West Virginia, Oklahoma State guard Phil Forte will wear a different jersey number.
Forte, a freshman, has switched to No. 13 after wearing No. 10 for the first 17 games of the season, until OSU realized its oversight: The No. 10 jersey was retired two years ago to mark the 10th anniversary of the plane crash that claimed the lives of 10 men associated with the Cowboy basketball program.
Jersey Nos. 3 and 11 were retired after the crash in honor of Daniel Lawson and Nate Fleming, the two players who were killed. When current freshman Marcus Smart arrived at OSU, he requested No. 3 — his high school number — but settled for 33.
As is done every year, a moment of silence will be observed before Saturday’s game in remembrance of the plane crash’s 12th anniversary, which is Sunday.
Associated Images:
Phil Forte will wear No. 13 beginning Saturday. KT King/For the Tulsa World
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