By Scott Robertson
Forbes
Former Wichita State assistant coach Steve Forbes has been named head coach of the ETSU Buccaneers’ men’s basketball program. Forbes helped take the Shockers to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 this season.
“Being named the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at ETSU is a dream come true,” Forbes told a Monday news conference that was open to program supporters.
Forbes’ teams have not lost a home game in the last four years, and he promised to make Freedom Hall a boisterous, supportive environment for the Bucs.
Then, turning to the players recruited by former Head Coach Murry Bartow, Forbes said, “You guys are my guys. We’re going to get a ring and cut down a net. And we’re not going to wait two or three years. We’re going to try and do it next year.
“I’ve always been a part of a program that was first, best and most,” he continued. “We’re going to try to do the first thing in school history, the best thing in history and do the most things in school history.”
Forbes colorfully told the crowd his philosophy on recruiting is to go after players who show competitive spirit. “In 1981, I got a job at McDonald’s. Twenty years later, I was recruiting McDonald’s All-Americans. I signed a couple. But most of my life, I just signed Burger King All-Americans who want to kick McDonald’s a–.”
Addressing a concern about recent ETSU teams, Forbes said, “We are going to have an identity. When people play us, they’re going to know what ETSU is all about.”
“Most importantly, I want to thank Dr. Noland, Dr. Sander, and Scott Carter for believing in me and believing in my vision for the future of ETSU basketball. The future is bright!”
