Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State Basketball: Bryn Forbes compared to Steph Curry by Gregg Popovich

By Connor Muldowney

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 09: Bryn Forbes #11 of the San Antonio Spurs drives against Isaiah Briscoe #27 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 9, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 09: Bryn Forbes #11 of the San Antonio Spurs drives against Isaiah Briscoe #27 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 9, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Former Michigan State basketball star Bryn Forbes was compared to Steph Curry by Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.

When Tom Izzo brought Bryn Forbes in as a transfer from Cleveland State, no one really knew what to expect. Would he be strictly a shooter? Would he see the floor much? Would he be able to make a name for himself? Michigan State fans got answers to those questions by the time he graduated.

Must Read: MSU Football Recruiting: 2018 class should close with a bang

No, he was not strictly a shooter as his game developed over the course of his two seasons of eligibility. Yes, he played quite a bit for Izzo. And yes, Forbes is known as one of the best, if not the best, pure shooter Izzo has ever coached.

Michigan State fans aren’t the only ones who are impressed with his development as he’s now playing big minutes in the NBA.

According to Cody Tucker of the Lansing State Journal, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has nothing but positive things to say about Forbes, even likening him to NBA superstar Steph Curry.

"Popovich called Forbes a good shooter. For being an undersized player, his defense is improving each week, he added. Popovich said Forbes is wonderful to coach and that “everything about him is to like.”After scoring 17 in a win over Miami last Wednesday, the longest tenured coach in the NBA compared Forbes to two-time MVP, Stephen Curry."

Not too shabby for a young NBA player who was lightly recruited out of high school in Lansing. His former teammate, Denzel Valentine, was offered out of high school by Michigan State and committed. Forbes had to wait a couple of years to get a shot with the Spartans, and he didn’t disappoint.

Anyone who has watched Forbes in a Michigan State uniform isn’t all that surprised with the progress he’s made at the NBA level with the Spurs and one of the best coaches in America.

That’s high praise for a guy with multiple NBA titles and who has done nothing but win with the Spurs. Forbes is having a solid sophomore season with San Antonio, averaging 6.7 points and shooting 44 percent from the floor and 43 percent from 3-point land. He’s also seen his minutes increase drastically — especially in recent games.

Next: MSU Basketball: Game-by-game predictions for December

Of course Forbes laughed off Popovich’s comments and remained humble because that’s what got him to the NBA. If Forbes continues to impress, don’t be surprised if he gets more league-wide recognition. For now, he’s OK with being an under-the-radar contributor and secret weapon.

Home/Spartans Basketball