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PLAYER PROFILE: Caleb Forrest

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via media.scout.com


Caleb Forrest

#52 / Forward / Washington St. Cougars

6-8

223

senior


 

Scouting Report: Besides being 6-foot-8, Caleb Forrest barely looks the part of Pac-10 basketball player. His elbows seem to have a mind of their own, and he runs with an awkwardness that makes it look like he's always about a half second from falling down after tripping over his own feet. But for all the goofiness, Forrest exemplifies everything that's right about Washington State University basketball.

He's not an offensive force, or a defensive force. In fact, I'm pretty sure the words "force" and "Caleb Forrest" have never been used in the same sentence -- unless we're talking about Forrest's propensity to impose his will on the deer, elk and bass of the world. But Forrest always figures out a way to make a positive contribution on the basketball court, something that doesn't go unnoticed by teammates, coaches, or Coug fans.

Forrest always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He's fundamental, always fighting hard for position. He sets the most sound screens you'll ever see -- an underrated and generally unappreciated skill -- and he's unafraid to throw his body around against bigger athletes. He can't create his own offense, but he'll hit a wide-open jumper to keep defenses honest.

In short, Forrest is the guy every team should have. There are no ups and downs with Forrest; you're going to get his very best effort every night, and it's usually going to result in a few buckets and a few rebounds. And while his very best isn't all that much compared to his more athletically talented teammates, it's more than enough to make the Cougars a better team.

Best Case Scenario: Forrest does what he always does, playing with high energy and throwing his body around. However, he's gotten a little stronger, which allows him to bang a little more for rebounds in the paint. Additionally, he's extended his range to hit the occasional wide-open 3, so he scores a few more points. He plays 20-25 minutes a night, averaging 6 points, 4 rebounds ... and 1 charge drawn.

Worst Case Scenario: You get exactly what you've always gotten. Really, there's no downside here. And that's a great thing.

Likely Scenario: Forrest is a little stronger, and just a little better shooter. He gives you just a little more this year in his increased minutes, and becomes a fan favorite -- don't be surprised if a group of fans start showing up in orange vests and Cabela's hunting caps to pay homage to their favorite sportsman.

Poll
What do you expect out of Caleb Forrest this year?
Integral Reserve throwing his body around for the good of the team
20 votes
Integral Reserve throwing his body around for the good of the team
17 votes

37 votes | Poll has closed

Comment 12 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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I have an unhealthy man crush on Caleb Forrest.

He’s replacing Robbie Cowgill on my Inexplicable Fanboyishness list.

by philkid3 on Nov 6, 2008 6:11 PM PST reply actions  

The downside with Forrest, in my opinion

Is that we’re hoping he can replace Robbie Cowgill, even though Cowgill as of last year was a far superior defender. Let’s hope Caleb gets to that level this winter.

He is a carbon copy of Cowgill on offense, though. It’s truly remarkable. Don’t be stunned when, like Cowgill, he occasionally leads the team in scoring or comes up with a huge basket down the stretch.

Now, the real question is: will he start? My feeling going in is yes, at the start of the year, because of experience and the fact we’re thin at the 4 and 5. After that – it’s anyone’s guess.

by Grady Clapp on Nov 6, 2008 6:24 PM PST reply actions  

I think it's a virtual certainty he'll start initially

What I meant by no downside is that it’s unlikely he gives us less than what he’s given us in the past. There are no injury concerns, and his tangible contributions were modest to begin with.

And I’m not sure the comparison to Cowgill on offense is a great one. Yes, he can hit the elbow jumper just like Robbie, but Robbie also could put the ball on the floor occasionally and finish with one of those loopy layups, or flush an alley-oop. While Cowgill was hardly a dynamic scorer, I see Forrest as even more one-dimensional.

by Jeff Nusser on Nov 6, 2008 7:21 PM PST up reply actions  

Agreed

You can’t really go wrong with Caleb Forrest.

For me, best case = 2008 Robbie Cowgill, and worst case = 2006 Caleb Forrest. It will be interesting to watch who out of Casto/Forrest/Watson emerges as the starter at PF.

by Grady Clapp on Nov 6, 2008 9:19 PM PST up reply actions  

I'm curious to see if Watson is making much of an impact

I had gotten the impression that he was a bit of a project in terms of being able to perform at the Pac-10 level. But man … it’s so wide open.

by Jeff Nusser on Nov 7, 2008 7:39 AM PST up reply actions  

The Cowgill upside would sure be nice.

Because I’ve got a fever. And the only prescription, is more. . .

by philkid3 on Nov 8, 2008 2:29 AM PST up reply actions  

Also

This story just earned the coveted “forrest fire” tag.

by Grady Clapp on Nov 6, 2008 6:55 PM PST reply actions  

Hey Nuss

Is that you on this Sonic blog, smacking down a Seattle attendance naysayer? That’s brilliant.

by Grady Clapp on Nov 6, 2008 9:24 PM PST reply actions  

Nope, not me

There’s a Peter Nussbaum who writes for that blog. Perhaps it’s him.

by Jeff Nusser on Nov 6, 2008 9:38 PM PST up reply actions  

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