Cameron Forte was an effective player off the bench for Georgia this past season. He usually could be counted on to provide an offensive spark and, occasionally — like the Alabama game in late February — might prove to be the difference in winning and losing.
But Forte sought a bigger role with the Bulldogs. Not seeing that forthcoming next season, the 6-foot-7 junior forward from Phoenix decided to seek such a role closer to home. Forte asked for and was granted an unconditional release from Georgia coach Mark Fox this week so that he may transfer and complete his final year of eligibility elsewhere.
“It’s nothing personal,” said Forte, reached by phone Wednesday afternoon. “Me and Fox are still on good terms. I’m still working out here at (UGA) and using the gym. But I think it’s best for me to go back home and finish my last year.”
Forte said he will walk in UGA’s spring semester graduation ceremony, but he actually has one more class to take this summer to complete requirements for his sociology degree.
Forte said he has not decided yet where he’ll transfer.
“I haven’t even thought about it yet,” he said. “I have all summer to think about it.”
Forte transferred to UGA in 2013 after playing one season at Howard College in Big Spring, Texas. he averaged 3.7 points and 2.4 rebounds as a reserve forward for the Bulldogs the last two seasons, including 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds this past year as the Bulldogs went 21-12 and earned an NCAA Tournament bid.
Forte’s role with Georgia increased the second half of this past season after injuries sidelined starters. He averaged 4.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 17.4 minutes during the SEC schedule, highlighted by a game-winning basket to beat Alabama in overtime on Feb. 21.
“Cam has been a key part of our team,” Fox said in a statement released by UGA.”He is on track to graduate this summer and that was a goal we both shared for him. I am thankful for the efforts he gave our team and proud of his academic accomplishment. This spring he expressed the desire to be closer to home and we have granted him a full release to pursue this desire. We wish him well as he moves forward.”
Forte was one of nine lettermen slated to return for next season. The Bulldogs have signed four prospects to scholarships, which means they now have room to sign one more recruit before reaching the NCAA maximum allotment of 13 for next season.
Georgia continues to recruit other prospects, including the state’s No. 1 prospect, 6-7 forward Jaylen Brown of Wheeler.
