Jim Forbes is 63. He has been coaching basketball in El Paso for 32 years. The Andress Eagle head coach is not slowing down anytime soon.
“I’m just having fun,” says Forbes. “The minute you start to feel old, you need to give it up. When I see young kids performing and our coaches out there teaching and coaching, it makes you feel like you have a bunch of years left.”
Forbes is a former UTEP Miner. He also played for Team U.S.A. in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. The Soviet Union got an unbelievable three chances at the gold, hitting the game-winning shot over Forbes. The Americans never accepted their silver medal.
Despite the controversial finish, Forbes still holds the experience close to his heart. “I had the time of my life, despite what happened in Munich in 1972. The title of being an Olympian is mind boggling,” said Forbes. “It was quite the accomplishment, but hard work as well. I enjoyed every second of it.”
Team U.S.A. will play Serbia in the Gold Medal Final at the Rio Olympics on Sunday.
