He took the long way home.
Former Benjamin Banneker basketball star Gary Forbes played all around the world, living out his dream until, three years ago, that dream got derailed with injuries and surgeries. The 31-year-old never lost his focus, however, and, finally, he’s managed to get back where he’s most comfortable — on the hardwood in Brooklyn, playing for the Long Island Nets in the National Basketball Association Developmental League.
“I don’t know how to quit,” Forbes said. “It was a confusing thing, because I don’t know what to do if this doesn’t work out. There was no ‘plan B’ — ‘plan B’ was make ‘plan A’ work.”
Forbes underwent Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System surgery after learning in late 2013 that he suffered cartilage damage in his knee and was, essentially, playing with bone scraping on bone in his leg. The surgery was ineffective the first time, and Forbes contracted a staph infection after the second attempt, setting back his rehabilitation by several months.
Forbes wasn’t playing for a team at the time, and he was left to find his own doctors — and his own drive to play again.
“It’s a cliche thing, I’m from Brooklyn with the grit and the heart and all that stuff,” Forbes said of his determination. “It was a different type of journey. My goal was to be healthy and be playing basketball again with no restrictions. I’ve accomplished that goal and that was step one.”
There were moments when Forbes questioned his own sanity — nights he spent in pain, crying and wondering if any of the hard work was even worth it. He forgot all of those emotions, however, when he remembered how much he loved the game and what basketball has always meant to him.
“When you come here, you don’t have any problems and you’re not worrying about anything,” Forbes said. “I’m out here playing a game that I love and makes me happy, is the best job in the world. I get to do what I love.”
Forbes was invited to a preseason camp with the Nets this year and knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t waste. He grew up with a basketball in his hand — making a name for himself at Banneker with a career 1,512 points and 766 rebounds — but Forbes’s injury and surgeries changed the way he approaches the game. He spent years watching from the sidelines and thinks a bit more whenever he steps on the court now, analyzing plays in a way he never did for his last 12 pro squads.
“I feel like I’m more of a cerebral player now,” Forbes said. “I’ve watched games over and over for the last three years and haven’t been able to play, so my perception of the game is a little bit different now.”
Forbes doesn’t consider himself a veteran, although he understands why his teammates may look at him that way this season. After all, he played in the league — with stints on Nuggets and Raptors from 2010 to 2012 — and he’s as determined as ever to get back to that level. The road back to Brooklyn has been long, winding, and sometimes exhausting, but after all of it, Forbes wouldn’t change a moment. It might be his cliche Brooklyn grit, but the former Warriors standout still isn’t willing to give up on his dream.
“I’m ready to hit my stride,” Forbes said. “I’m a little rusty, but my body feels great, and I’m just taking those positive things whenever I can.”
