Sitting side by side Nick Banyard, Marcus Smart, and Phillip Forte sign their Letter of Intent surrounded by friends and family supporting their life changing decision. Smart and Forte will be attending Oklahoma State University next fall, while Banyard will attend the University of New Mexico next fall.
    The three players have been in the Marcus basketball hot seat since they took state along with all of their teammates last year.  Smart and Forte have played side by side since the third grade. Both of their decisions to go to OSU played a part in the brotherhood they have created.
    “I get to go play with Marcus. We have been through so much together over the years and I get to play four more years of basketball with him,” Forte said.  Smart along with Forte is looking forward to the college atmosphere,
    “This is the decision for me and I cannot wait to get up there and become a Cowboy,” Smart said.
    Although basketball is a huge part of their lives, Banyard says his education is also at the top of his priority list. By making the decision to major in engineering or to become a basketball coach Banyard says he has a plan.
    “I really want to make sure I get my degree. If MBA is an option I would want to go there,” Banyard said.  “I am probably going to double major in something.”
    Banyard explains his love for math and science has allowed him to decide what the future could hold, even if basketball is not an option he always has a second choice.
    Though college is on the brink Forte wants to focus on what is coming now. With this next season right around the corner, Forte’s teammates and team are his biggest priority.
    “Today was a really nice moment in my life but I still have so much to look forward to this year with my team mates,” said Forte. “I still have one more year left with these guys. I want to make the most of this year by doing all that I can and then move on to OSU.”