Bryn Forbes: Back At Home
12/13/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
By Ryan Smith, MSU Athletic Communications
Growing up in Lansing, it was a dream of Bryn Forbes to win state championships and go on to play basketball for Michigan State, all with the allure of it being in front of his hometown. That dream has ultimately come true for Forbes, but not without the twists and turns along the way that made him the man he is today.
The path to MSU began at the age of seven, when Forbes developed a close relationship with current Spartan Denzel Valentine. The two played countless hours of basketball and football together, coached by Valentine's father, Carlton, a four-year letter-winner for Michigan State basketball from 1985-88.
As the two grew older, their relationship molded stronger and their basketball talent prospered. By the time they reached Lansing Sexton, their play on the floor was drawing attention and Forbes got a taste of what it was like to impress in front of the home crowd. In his years at Sexton, the Big Reds went to three straight state championship games, winning back-to-back titles in convincing fashion, all taking place in the Breslin Center, just 10 minutes away from his high school.
"It was so exciting," said Forbes as he recalled playing in the Breslin Center as a high-school kid. "It was crazy seeing people you know filling a 15,000 seat arena. Not a lot of people get that chance. To get it three times, we are extremely lucky. There aren't many feelings you get like that. It was a mix of adrenaline, happiness, excitement, and anxiousness."
When it came time to decide on where to play ball at the next level, the close friends split, with Forbes deciding to go away to Cleveland State while Valentine would stay and play for his hometown Spartans.
"At first, Michigan State was a possibility with me having the option of being a preferred walk-on," said Forbes. "Over the years, I had a few things I needed to work on and get better at. I feel like I got better at those things at Cleveland State. I really clicked with their coaching staff and had a good time there."
Forbes continued to show his ability to be a prolific scorer for the Vikings, averaging 12.7 points-per-game and earning Horizon League Newcomer of the Year honors during his freshman campaign. He bumped up his average to 15.6 points-per-game as a sophomore, ranking sixth in the Horizon League and continuing to score at an efficient rate, shooting .424 from behind the arc.
Then on June 13, 2014, it was officially announced that Forbes would be coming home by transferring to Michigan State for his junior and senior year. For Forbes, the stint at Cleveland State was a stop along the way that helped him grow and mature, but coming home was something that brought everything full-circle for him.
"Being able to be here, leave, and come back; I think I am better because of that," explained Forbes. "You get to see a whole different side of things being away from home and having to deal with stuff on your own. Not having the same support system around me at all times like I do here was a great experience because I had to do some growing up and maturing. To be back, I realize how blessed I am."
The transition in terms of basketball went about as smooth as it can go for a transfer, as Forbes would be joining lifelong friend Denzel Valentine, who had introduced him to the other guys on the team at open gyms, along with teaching Forbes the ropes of the new system and what to expect. The biggest adjustment Bryn found, however, was understanding the way coach Tom Izzo pushed him to succeed, not only as a player, but as a person.
"Sometimes, he pulls more out of you than you thought was ever possible," said Forbes. "He wants you to do things that you may not think you're capable of, but then you find out you are capable. That forces you to come with your "A" game every day. There are no days that you can slack. You have to get better every day and come with the best you have. He has high expectations at all times. He is trying to make you the best version of you possible, and you have to be ready for that constantly."
Despite the success and personal growth he experienced at Cleveland State, he knew that in order to be a consistent factor in the Michigan State lineup that he would need to round out his game. Being known as just a scorer got Forbes through high school and maybe even the first two years of college, but he understands it is time to become a complete basketball player.
"Izzo told me the things I need to do to be the best player I can be, like gaining weight, getting stronger, becoming a better defender, and doing things with the ball," said Forbes. "We had a lot of good conversations throughout this whole process, to not only help me become the best player I can be, but to help us become the best team we can be. I feel like I have taken my game to another level since being here. I have become a much better defender than I was even three months ago. One of my big things was to become one of the best defensive players I can be, because that's the only way to the next level."
Coming home has been a fresh start of sorts for Forbes as he continues his quest to become the most complete basketball player he can be. Being a part of the Spartan family and the support system at MSU are things that Forbes cited as a unique opportunity that he couldn't receive anywhere else, crediting that to part of his growth. Coming back to East Lansing has been vital to his development as a player along with allowing him to excel in his duties outside of the game.
"Especially with my family situation, it is my responsibility to be home as both a brother and as a father," said Forbes. "Having my family come to the games is great. Being in front of my hometown and people I have known my whole life and being in my own city just 10 minutes from my house is a feeling that is just unbelievable. I am going to continue being the best I can be. I am going to come out every night and give my best, absolutely on the father and brother side. As far as basketball, I expect to do a lot of winning to make people happy.
"I am blessed, I have to say that," continued Forbes. "It has been a great journey. It has been exciting and it has been hard at times, but it is a great feeling to be back. There is nothing I can do to even explain it."
While he might not be able to explain it, it's evident that Forbes is at home in the Lansing area ... once again.
