Dayton Forsythe's OU basketball dream has come true

DALE – Dayton Forsythe remembers all those birthday parties growing up – meant time to hit up an OU basketball game.

Year after year, it’s what he did. In the back of his mind, always hoping and believing one day he would get that shot himself as a Sooner.

It’s going to happen. Forsythe signed his letter of intent with Oklahoma on Wednesday afternoon. He was one of two signees, joining forward Kuol Atak.

Forsythe, 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, became a name to watch following an outstanding showing at the Tournament of Champions event in Tulsa last Christmastime.

OU took notice, offering Jan. 1. From there? It was just about Forsythe, a point guard, staying cool and playing the recruiting game before committing this summer (July 20).

“Play it out through the spring and see what else could happen,” said Forsythe on Wednesday. “None of them felt like it felt when I was at OU. I couldn’t find that anywhere else.”

It wasn’t just a big deal for Forsythe, but for the town of Dale. The community was there en masse to support Forsythe, just as they have been from the very beginning.

“It’s so awesome, so excited,” Forsythe said. “This is a big deal for me and the town of Dale. It’s a dream come true. I grew up watching OU and cheering them on.

“Now maybe little kids can watch me and help them build dreams and, hopefully, they can achieve those dreams. This is proof that even at a small school, big things can happen.”

Forsythe said he always had the belief he could play on the big stage. When he was still performing at a high level in EYBL competition, he knew. Not just a belief, but a knowing he belongs at OU, which now means the SEC.

“It’ll be special. New chapter in Oklahoma’s long history,” Forsythe said. “Exciting time at OU. Get to play against good competition.”

Forsythe has helped Dale to back-to-back state championships. The hope is to go out in style with a three-peat.

And then? He can officially look forward to being a Sooner and playing for Porter Moser.

“His energy and characteristics of what he brings is exactly what I’m looking for,” Forsythe told SoonerScoop. “I feel like I fit in perfectly. He believes that too. I can’t wait to get there.”

Forsythe is a three-star prospect by On3 and No. 1 in the state. He is No. 234 overall and No. 1 in the state in the industry composite.