The Michigan State Spartans added a new weapon to its repertoire Wednesday when Lansing, Mich., native, Bryn Forbes, was granted a hardship waiver from the NCAA.
Forbes, a 6-foot-3 guard, will now be eligible to play right away in 2014. He transferred from Cleveland State to be closer to his young son and a family member with health problems.
In a statement, Forbes spoke about his priorities and how thankful he was to be able to return to his family.
"“I’m very thankful to the NCAA for allowing me to play this season,” said Forbes. “My family is extremely important to me and I can’t think of a better situation than being able to play in my hometown. This is truly a blessing to me. I’m happy to have this behind me, so that I can focus on balancing basketball, school and family obligations. I just look forward to contributing to the team any way I can.”"
Forbes won back-to-back state titles in 2011 and 2012 with Michigan State forward Denzel Valentine at Lansing Sexton High School.
Forbes — now back at home — stands to make an immediate impact on the Spartan offense. With the dismissal of sharpshooter Kenny Kaminski, Michigan State’s scoring depth was in some doubt.
Forbes shot 42.4 percent from 3-point range in 2012-13 in the Horizon League, while averaging 15.6 points per game in 32 starts.
The Spartans face some major early season challenges in Tom Izzo’s 20th season in East Lansing. They travel to Indianapolis in mid-November for the Champions Classic where they’ll face a stacked Duke team.
The Spartans also will face Notre Dame Dec. 3 in South Bend, Ind.
The Spartans open Big Ten play against Maryland at home Dec. 30, and they face off against the defending Big Ten champion Michigan Wolverines on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 1.
The action all begins Nov. 14 against Navy.