Tempe (Ariz.) McClintock small forward Cameron Forte verbally committed to Texas Tech this week after Billy Gillispie struck up a relationship with him earlier this summer.

"It all happened pretty quickly. Coach Gillispie knows one of the guys involved with our team and he talked with him about having me out there. He told me he'd love to have me be a part of his team, so we started talking and building a relationship. We get along really well," Forte said. "I was originally going to attend a prep school and then attend Washington, but [Gillispie] told me he would offer me a full ride and that, if I did what I needed to do, I could be a special player for him. So I decided to go with Texas Tech and I'm looking forward to the opportunity."

The 6-foot-7, 195-pounder has seen interest from Washington, Texas, UCLA, Colorado, Saint Mary's, and UTEP, among others. The chance to compete for a spot early helped in Texas Tech's effort to stand out.

"Coach Gillispie has told me about all of the new players that he's brought onto the roster and how every position is wide open," Forte said. "I know I'll have a chance to compete for a big role from the beginning. It will take hard work, but that's what I want to be able to do. I want to make an impact. He told me that if I worked hard I would have an opportunity to do great things at Texas Tech."

Forte is making plans to visit Lubbock after the July evaluation period comes to a close. He credits his relationship with Billy Gillispie as being the largest factor in his decision.

"I really felt like Coach Gillispie was sincere about everything we've talked about. I've talked to a lot of coaches and they'll always just say whatever it takes to get your attention, but he wasn't that way," he said. "Coach Gillispie was saying some very sincere stuff and he didn't seem like he was just trying to hype stuff up. He was very honest and that meant a lot to me. I know he's a hard worker and he expects the same from his team. I know it won't be easy, but I'm looking forward to playing for him."

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