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Forbes 500: JPII gets talent enrichment with Jackson's transfer from West
BY Kevin Hageland, khageland@starlocalnews.com
On varsity since he was a freshman, junior forward Jackson Forbes was expected to be one of the most experienced players on the Plano West roster in 2012-13 as the Wolves attempted to make their first Class 5A State Tournament.
Instead, the hoopster has transferred to John Paul II and will be one of the most experienced players on the Cardinals roster as they seek their first TAPPS State Title.
As with any transfer, the question of why comes up first.
A point to which Forbes' mother was quick to agree.
"Of course having a school with a good basketball program is a plus," said June Spencer, "but academics were definitely a major part of this decision."
Forbes, who said he is trying to get his GPA up in order to be in consideration for academic and basketball opportunities at schools like Harvard, Stanford, Rice, Marquette and Oklahoma State, quickly turned his attention to John Paul.
Keen observers may have noted Forbes' presence in the Cardinals' cheering section at the state tournament in March. Forbes supported John Paul in the TAPPS 5A State Finals against Prestonwood Christian Academy despite the fact three of his AAU teammates from the Texas Titans (Julius Randle, Marquan Botley and Mickey Mitchell) play for the Lions.
"I definitely have some friends on Prestonwood," Forbes said. "But I went there in seventh and eighth grade and was looking for something a little different."
No doubt John Paul was happy to be the selection.
Forbes made the Wolves' varsity as a freshman, increasing his minutes throughout the year and picking up a starting spot for much of his sophomore season. The 6-foot-6, 210-pounder averaged 8.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 2011-12 and was named second team all-district, the youngest player to make the first or second team.
West has been hurt by player defections to Plano private schools in recent years.
Prestonwood graduate Zach Peters, who will be playing at Kansas, lives in the West zone while current Lions Mickey and Mike Mitchell both transferred from West last year.
"It wasn't a bad conversation with [Wolves head coach Anthony Morgan]," Forbes said. "He called me into his office, said he had heard rumors about me going to John Paul and I basically confirmed those rumors. He has still invited me to their open gym and said I was always welcome back."
While West will look to reload with a talented class of sophomores, Forbes should fortify a John Paul squad that has made great strides the past two seasons. The Cardinals advanced to the TAPPS 5A State Semifinals for the first time in 2010-11 and TAPPS 5A State Finals in 2011-12 before losing to Prestonwood on both occasions.
"It's exciting to know I am coming in to a team with state experience," Forbes said.
Forbes, who translates as a small forward in college, joins a John Paul core that includes returners Chandler Malone and Jason Martin. And he won't be the only Forbes on the team as his freshman brother Spencer is in the program as well.
"My little ... well, he's actually 6-foot-4, so I can't say little ... my younger brother is at John Paul too," Forbes said. "I've been watching him and he's definitely gotten better."
That improvement will be put to the test when the season starts in November.
"We are happy about the move and this new opportunity," Spencer said. "And I'm really excited that the boys are going to be together at the same school, especially since Spencer really looks up to his older brother."
The Forbes brothers will be in Wichita, Kan. this weekend for the 2012 Mid America Youth Basketball Nationals.
"It will be cool to see the boys on the court together," Spencer said. "Kind of like a preview for what is to come."
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