Former University of North Carolina basketball star Joseph Forte has opened up about his time in Chapel Hill in a rare and candid interview. Speaking on the Carolina Insider Podcast, Forte shared personal reflections on his rise as a standout guard, his struggles with ego, and his often misunderstood relationship with then-head coach Matt Doherty.
Forte, who earned national recognition as a freshman and went on to be named ACC co‑Player of the Year in his sophomore season, admitted that his confidence at times crossed into arrogance. He acknowledged that his own mindset contributed to challenges within the team, particularly during a period of transition for the Tar Heels.
In a surprising twist, Forte came to Doherty’s defense—challenging the narrative that the coach was solely responsible for one of the most turbulent stretches in program history. According to Forte, much of the criticism of Doherty overlooked the difficulties he inherited and the support he offered his players behind the scenes.
The interview has reignited conversations among Tar Heel fans, many of whom have revisited their perceptions of the Doherty era. Forte’s willingness to admit past mistakes and speak openly about the pressures of high-level college basketball offered a rare glimpse into the human side of a storied program.
