Name: Gary Forbes Position: Shooting Guard/Small Forward Height: 6-7 (2.00m) Weight: 220 (100kg) College Team: Massachusetts Minutemen Nationality: American Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York Birthdate: 2/25/1985 Drafted: Automatically eligible for the 2008 NBA Draft but was not drafted by an NBA franchise.

Strengths: Great ball handler for his size capable of taking most defenders off the dribble … Gets solid separation from his defender due to his quick 1st step and hesitation fakes … Excels in isolation plays where most of his defenders aren’t capable of stopping Forbes in 1 on 1 situations … Creative slasher who will use his good body control and height to convert difficult moves by using the glass or rim to shield him from shot blockers … Possesses excellent court vision and is unselfishly willing to find open teammates … Forbes’ versatility to play small forward and shooting guard allows him to create mismatches … Takes bigger players off the dribble or use his size to post up small defenders … Attacks the basket, enabling him to pick-up a solid amount of fouls … Even more impressive, once Forbes gets in the lane his strength allows him to absorb contact and finish … Has three point range on his jumper … Underrated basketball IQ - really looks at how the defense is playing him and makes game changes accordingly … Brings a great deal of toughness, has no problem playing physical or being defended hard … Has shown solid signs of a nice turnaround jumper from 16 feet … Excellent rebounder for his position … Has displayed good leadership skills this year by vocally calming teammates in key moments … Possesses the ability to hit the pull-up off the dribble if his defender is playing him for his drive … Has a great attitude and a willingness to improve.

Weaknesses: While Forbes has three point range he isn’t very consistent … Seems to get a little wild with the ball at times by being too flashy or over penetrating … These are the primary reasons he can be a little turnover prone … Tends to force shots that are very questionable … Athletically, Forbes isn’t mind blowing in any one area - he doesn’t have the quickness and leaping ability the NBA covets … Defensively, his lateral quickness leaves a little to be desired … This really seems to affect him at times when he has to defend explosive players … Not great at moving without the ball, prefers to create offensively with the ball in his hands … Perimeter shooting goes through periods of streakiness … Doesn’t play defense with the intensity and effort that you would like to see, almost appears like he views it as a chore … Lacks the upside to improve by leaps and bounds … Can get a little frustrated if his shots aren’t falling early, leading him to making some mental mistakes from time to time … Despite his passing ability Forbes can get almost single minded and drive in the lane and not think to pass out … Needs to understand what his limitations are and stick with his strengths …

Matthew Maurer - 2/19/08