Gary Orlando Forbes (born February 25, 1985) is a Panamanian former professional basketball player. He played college basketball initially at the University of Virginia, then transferred to the University of Massachusetts, following his sophomore season.

Gary Forbes
Personal information
Born (1985-02-25) February 25, 1985 (age 39)
Colón, Panama
Listed height6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Listed weight220 lb (100 kg)
Career information
High schoolBenjamin Banneker Academy
(Brooklyn, New York)
College
NBA draft2008: undrafted
Playing career2008–2020
PositionSmall forward
Career history
2008Sioux Falls Skyforce
2008–2009Tulsa 66ers
2009Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters
2009Trotamundos de Carabobo
2009–2010Vanoli Cremona
2010Ironi Ramat Gan
2010–2011Denver Nuggets
2011–2012Toronto Raptors
2012–2013Zhejiang Lions
2013–2014Springfield Armor
2015–2016Atenienses de Manatí
2016Grand Rapids Drive
2016–2017Long Island Nets
2017Boca Juniors
2017Cocodrilos de Caracas
2017Faros Larissas
2017–2018Universitarios
2018Al-Ittihad Jeddah
2020Saigon Heat
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com Edit this at Wikidata
Stats at Basketball Reference

High school career

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Forbes and his mother moved to Brooklyn, New York when he was a child.[1] He went on to attend and play basketball at Benjamin Banneker Academy in Brooklyn. He scored 1,512 points and grabbed 766 rebounds during his high school career, and established career records for points, rebounds, and blocked shots. In local awards, he was selected the Newsday Player of the Year in Brooklyn as a senior, nominated for City Player of the Year, and earned first-team All-City and All-Tri-State honors. He was also a McDonald's All-American finalist.[2]

As a junior, Forbes averaged 27 points, 11 rebounds and six assists a game. As a senior, he averaged 31 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and three blocked shots a game. That year, he scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in Benjamin Banneker's 75–69 loss to Lincoln High School in the Public School Athletic League "A" Championship game at Madison Square Garden.[2]

College career

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Forbes was ranked as the #4 shooting guard, and the #20 overall prospect on ESPN's Top 100 for the incoming class of 2003.[3][4] He committed to play at the University of Virginia, after also receiving scholarship offers from Georgia Tech and Mississippi State.[5] Coach Pete Gillen's group of newcomers was ranked #17 on the list of top recruiting classes on Rivals.com.[6]

As a freshman in 2003–04, Forbes played in all of Virginia's 31 games, starting in 17. He averaged 7.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. He finished second on the team in blocked shots (28) and steals (30).[2] Tallied 22 points (season-high) and 9 rebounds against Minnesota in the ACC – Big Ten Challenge.[7] As a sophomore in 2004–05, Forbes played in 29 games, started 4, and averaged 9.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Scored 23 (season-high), on 8–11 shooting, in a loss at #4 North Carolina.[8] After starting the game at Duke, Forbes tallied a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.[9]

Gillen resigned from Virginia after the end of the 2004–05 season, and Forbes decided to transfer out of the school. He transferred to the University of Massachusetts, and due to NCAA transfer rules, he was forced to sit out the 2005–06 season.

In the 2006–07 season, his first with the Minutemen, Forbes started in 23 of the team's 33 games. Playing behind established seniors Rashaun Freeman and Stéphane Lasme, Forbes still averaged 13.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. He scored a career-high 31 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in a game at Temple.[10] Forbes scored 20 or more points on three other occasions and snared 16 rebounds in a game versus Richmond.[11] Helped the Minutemen win their first Atlantic 10 title since the 1995–96 season. UMass also advanced to the second round of the NIT, their first post-season play since the 1999–2000 season.

Coming into his senior year in 2007–08, Forbes was named to the Preseason Atlantic 10 Third Team.[12] By the end of the regular season, he was averaging 20.3 points per game, tied for the league lead in scoring with Temple's Dionte Christmas.[13] Forbes scored 25 or more points on six occasions, including a 29-point high at Northern Iowa. The A-10 honored him as the league's Player of the Year and also placed him on the all-conference First Team.[13] Forbes helped UMass make a deep run in the NIT, advancing past Syracuse, two-time defending NCAA champion Florida, and on to the final before falling to Ohio State. He was named to the NIT's All-Tournament team.[2]

Forbes scored a total of 1,639 points over his college career (698 at Virginia, 1,128 at UMass).

Professional career

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After UMass, Forbes participated in the NBA Pre-Draft Camp in Orlando in the summer of 2008.[14] However, he was not selected in the 2008 NBA draft. The Washington Wizards invited him to participate in their summer mini-camp, and he played in all 5 games, but he only averaged 3.8 points and 0.6 rebounds per game.[15]

In August 2008, Forbes had signed with Italian club Basket Napoli, but the team soon dissolved.[16]

Forbes was selected as the #4 overall pick in the NBA Development League's 2008 draft, by the Sioux Falls Skyforce.[17] In the D-League's 2008–09 season, he played 22 games for Sioux Falls before being traded to the Tulsa 66ers, where he played in 30 games.[18] Overall that season, Forbes averaged 17.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.[19] He also participated in the league's All-Star weekend, finishing third in the Three-Point Shootout.[20]

Forbes then played several short stints with international clubs.

  • May 2009: played for the Talk N Text Tropang Texters club in the Philippines. Played in 2 games, and averaged 27.5 ppg.[21]
  • May/June 2009: played for Carabobo Globetrotters in Venezuela. Played 5 games.[22]
  • July 2009: played in the NBA's Summer League with the Philadelphia 76ers.[23]
  • July 2009: signed with Italian club Soresina.[24]
  • August 2009: signed with Italian club Gruppo Triboldi.[25]
  • 2009–10: played for Italian club Vanoli Cremona. Played in 15 games, averaged 13.3 ppg.[26]
  • 2010: played for Ironi Kfar Hamaccabia Ramat Gan in the Israeli Basketball Super League. The club started 2–11 before Forbes joined, then went 4–5 the rest of the regular season with him. Forbes scored 28 in his team debut,[27] then went on to average 20.3 ppg (best in the league).[26][28] However, the team's poor season record forced them to the Relegation Playoffs, where they lost their series, and would be demoted to the National League in the 2010–11 season.

In July 2010, Forbes returned to the US for another shot at the NBA. He was invited to play with the Houston Rockets on their summer league team in Las Vegas.[29] Forbes played in 4 of the team's 5 games, averaging 3.8 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.[30]

On September 18, 2010, the Denver Nuggets invited Forbes to a training camp.[31] Playing in 8 games, Forbes averaged 19.0 minutes, 10.1 points, and 2.9 rebounds per game. He survived pre-season cuts and made the season roster.[32][33]

On December 10, 2011, Forbes signed an offer sheet with the Toronto Raptors.[34] On December 13, 2011, Forbes was officially signed by the Raptors.[35]

On July 11, 2012, Forbes was traded to the Houston Rockets along with a future first round pick for Kyle Lowry.[36] He was waived by Houston on October 29, 2012.[37]

In December 2012, Forbes joined the Zhejiang Lions club in the Chinese Basketball Association. He replaced Al Thornton on the team.[38]

In September 2013, Forbes signed with the Brooklyn Nets.[39] However, he was waived on October 17.[40]

On November 1, 2013, Forbes was acquired by the Springfield Armor.[41] On January 3, 2014, he was waived by the Armor due to a season-ending injury.

On December 21, 2015, Forbes signed with Atenienses de Manatí of the Puerto Rican Baloncesto Superior Nacional.[42] On March 28, 2016, he left Atenienses and was acquired by the Grand Rapids Drive.[43] That night he made his debut for the Drive in a 136–105 loss to Raptors 905, recording four points, two rebounds and one assist in one minute.[44]

On November 1, 2016, Forbes was acquired by the Long Island Nets of the NBA Development League.[45] On January 17, he was waived by the Nets after appearing in 20 games.[46]

On February 19, 2017, Forbes signed with Boca Juniors of the Liga Nacional de Básquet.[47]

On September 21, 2017, Forbes signed with Faros Larissas for the 2017–18 Greek Basket League season.[48] On February 24, 2018, he joined Al-Ittihad Jeddah of the Saudi Premier League.[49]

National team career

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In the summer of 2007, Forbes played with the Panama men's national basketball team at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship, in Las Vegas. In four games with the team, he averaged 17.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. He scored a game high 29 points against Argentina. He was also played with Panama at the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship, and the 2017 FIBA AmeriCup.[50]

The Basketball Tournament (TBT)

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In the summer of 2017, Forbes competed in The Basketball Tournament on ESPN for the Talladega Knights. Competing for the $2 million grand prize, Forbes scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds in the Knights' 78–74 first round loss to Paul's Champion's; a team led by former NBA point guard Earl Boykins. Forbes also played for Talladega during the summer of 2016. In two games, he averaged 16.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists as the Knights fell to the City of Gods in the second round.

In TBT 2018, Forbes suited up for Gael Nation. In 2 games, he averaged 6.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. Gael Nation reached the second round before falling to Armored Athlete. [51]

Personal life

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Forbes has type 1 diabetes, which has a history in his family. He was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 19, initially keeping the diagnosis secret out of fear that it would affect his career prospects.[52][53] He has five older siblings.[2]

Career statistics

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Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

Regular season

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2010–11 Denver 63 11 12.6 .454 .328 .678 1.8 .8 .4 .1 5.2
2011–12 Toronto 48 2 14.9 .413 .349 .725 2.1 1.1 .5 .1 6.6
Career 111 13 13.5 .434 .340 .702 2.0 .9 .4 .1 5.8

Playoffs

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2011 Denver 1 0 2.0 .000 1.0 .0 .0 .0 .0

References

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  1. ^ Dobrow, Marty (December 22, 2007). "UMass's Forbes a reluctant leader". The Boston Globe.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Gary Forbes Bio – University of Massachusetts Official Athletic Site". Umassathletics.com. Archived from the original on December 31, 2014. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  3. ^ "ESPN.com: RECRUITING – Top Shooting guards". ESPN. May 20, 2003. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  4. ^ "ESPN.com: RECRUITING – Recruiting: Top 100". ESPN. May 15, 2003. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  5. ^ "Gary Forbes – Yahoo! Sports". Rivals.yahoo.com. April 20, 2011. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  6. ^ "Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting – Class of 2003 – Top Recruiting Classes". Rivalshoops.rivals.com. Archived from the original on May 17, 2020. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  7. ^ "Cavaliers Improve To 4–0 With ACC-Big Ten Challenge Victory – VIRGINIASPORTS.COM – The University of Virginia Official Athletic Site". Virginiasports.cstv.com. December 3, 2003. Archived from the original on March 6, 2012. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  8. ^ "Virginia Falls To No. 4 North Carolina, 85–61 – VIRGINIASPORTS.COM – The University of Virginia Official Athletic Site". Virginiasports.cstv.com. February 16, 2005. Archived from the original on March 6, 2012. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  9. ^ "Virginia Falls To No. 5 Duke, 80–66 – VIRGINIASPORTS.COM – The University of Virginia Official Athletic Site". Fansonly.com. January 16, 2005. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  10. ^ "Forbes Goes For 31, But Minutemen Fall To Temple, 98–89 – University of Massachusetts Official Athletic Site". Umassathletics.com. Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  11. ^ "Forbes & Lowe Push UMass Past Richmond, 72–56 – University of Massachusetts Official Athletic Site". Umassathletics.com. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  12. ^ "Gary Forbes Named Preseason Third Team All-Conference – University of Massachusetts Official Athletic Site". Umassathletics.com. October 25, 2007. Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  13. ^ a b "Forbes Claims A-10 Player Of Year; Harris Named A-10 Most Improved Player – University of Massachusetts Official Athletic Site". Umassathletics.com. March 10, 2008. Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  14. ^ "NBA Development League: 2008 NBA D-League Draft: Top Prospects". NBA.com. November 5, 2008. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  15. ^ "The Official Site Of The Washington Wizards". NBA.com. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  16. ^ "The Hoop: Forbes and Dickens are leaving Napoli". Thehoop.blogspot.com. September 24, 2008. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  17. ^ "Forbes Selected Fourth Overall By Sioux Falls In NBA D-League Draft – University of Massachusetts Official Athletic Site". Umassathletics.cstv.com. November 7, 2008. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  18. ^ "NBA Development League: 66ers Acquire Steven Hill and Gary Forbes". NBA.com. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  19. ^ "NBA Development League: Gary Forbes Playerfile". NBA.com. Archived from the original on November 9, 2012. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  20. ^ "NBA Development League: James White Soars To NBA D-League Slam Dunk Championship". NBA.com. February 13, 2009. Archived from the original on November 5, 2012. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  21. ^ "Gary Forbes Player Profile, Brooklyn N., International Stats, Game Logs". Usbasket. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  22. ^ "Gary Forbes Player Profile, Brooklyn Nets, News, Rumors, NBA Stats, NCAA Stats, G League Stats, International Stats, Events Stats, Game Logs, Bests, Awards – RealGM". Basketball.realgm.com. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  23. ^ "Forbes, Gaffney & Lasme Gear Up For NBA Summer League". UMass Athletics. July 7, 2009. Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
  24. ^ "Soresina inks Gary Forbes". Sportando.net. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  25. ^ "Forbes Signs With Italy's Gruppo Triboldi – University of Massachusetts Official Athletic Site". Umassathletics.com. August 8, 2009. Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  26. ^ a b "Gary Forbes Player Profile, Brooklyn N., International Stats, Game Logs". Usbasket. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  27. ^ "European Basketball Main Page". Eurobasket. February 21, 2010. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  28. ^ "Nothing found for Story Asp?story_id=17717". Hoopsworld.com. June 16, 2013. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  29. ^ "NBA Development League: Former NBA D-League Players In Las Vegas Summer League". NBA.com. July 9, 2010. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  30. ^ "2010 NBA Summer League". NBA.com. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  31. ^ Schroeder, Scott (September 18, 2010). "Denver Nuggets Invite Shane Edwards, Courtney Sims And Gary Forbes To Training Camp". Ridiculousupside.com. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  32. ^ "Gary Forbes Cashes In On Opportunity With Nuggets". Denver Post. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  33. ^ "Gary Forbes Makes Denver Nuggets Roster – University of Massachusetts Official Athletic Site". Umassathletics.com. October 25, 2010. Archived from the original on December 31, 2014. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  34. ^ "Raptors Sign Forbes To Offer Sheet". NBA.com. December 10, 2011. Retrieved December 11, 2011.
  35. ^ "Raptors Sign Forbes". Rotoworld.com. December 13, 2011. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved December 13, 2011.
  36. ^ "Rockets Net First Rounder and Forbes From Raptors". NBA.com. July 11, 2012. Retrieved July 11, 2012.
  37. ^ "Rockets waive Shaun Livingston, Jon Brockman, Gary Forbes, Lazar Hayward, JaJuan Johnson". Archived from the original on April 21, 2015. Retrieved October 30, 2012.
  38. ^ Pastuszek, Jon (December 14, 2012). "Forbes for Thornton in Guangsha one of several mid-season import moves". NiuBBall.com. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
  39. ^ "Brooklyn Nets Announce Training Camp Roster". Nba.com. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  40. ^ "Brooklyn Nets Waive Gary Forbes". Nba.com. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  41. ^ "Returning Players Highlight Initial Training Camp Invites". NBA.com. November 1, 2013. Archived from the original on December 4, 2013. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
  42. ^ "Gary Forbes signs with Atenensies de Manati". Sportando.com. December 21, 2015. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  43. ^ "Drive Update Roster". OurSportsCentral.com. March 28, 2016. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  44. ^ "Caboclo, Singler Lead Raptors 905 Past Drive". NBA.com. March 28, 2016. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  45. ^ "Long Island Nets Announce Training Camp Roster". NBA.com. November 1, 2016. Archived from the original on November 4, 2016. Retrieved November 20, 2016.
  46. ^ "Long Island Nets Waive Gary Forbes". NBA.com. January 17, 2017. Archived from the original on February 3, 2017. Retrieved January 30, 2017.
  47. ^ "Boca tiene apuntado a su nuevo extranjero: el ex NBA Gary Forbes". Basquetplus.com (in Spanish). February 19, 2017. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  48. ^ "Gary Forbes signs with Larissa-Faros". Sportando.com. September 21, 2017. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  49. ^ "Asian Basketball News, Scores, Stats, Analysis, Standings". Asia-basket.com. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  50. ^ "Players". Archive.fiba.com. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  51. ^ "Player card of Gary Forbes". Mystatsonline.com. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  52. ^ Neithercott, Tracey (2012). "NBA Player Gary Forbes Scores on His Dreams". Diabetes Forecast. Archived from the original on April 14, 2013. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
  53. ^ Lopez, Aaron J. "Forbes no longer reluctant role model for those with diabetes | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE DENVER NUGGETS". NBA.com. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
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