An early commitment to Cal, Cal freshman wing Kenzie Forbes has been building her relationship with the program for a while now, so the transition to Berkeley has been an easy one for the McDonald's All-American from Folsom High School in the Sacramento area.
"It's been pretty smooth, actually," said Forbes. "I think being committed for such a long time really helps, coming in already having a really good relationship with my teammates and staff.
"I think it's made it pretty easy."
Being within an hour and a half of campus and frequently playing in the Bay Area in high school and AAU ball afforded the talented Forbes many opportunities to visit her future home.
"Very often. Actually, quite often," said Forbes when asked how often she visited. "Our seasons were at the same time so that kind of conflicted but we were out here a lot, sometimes twice a month, watching games and going to football games with the team."
The decision to commit to Cal certainly sat well with her family, who are themselves big fans of the program and are looking forward to many visits to come.
"Everyone's super-excited," said Forbes, with a smile. "My parents are super-excited. I'm definitely grateful that they're able to come out here and watch play. My grandma and my aunt, as well."
The prior relationships established with many of her future teammates on the hardcourt through club ball helped make the decision and easier one for the 5 star wing.
"I played against Mi'Cole (Cayton), Kianna (Smith), Bird (Alaysia Styles), CJ (West), Jaelyn (Brown) -all those girls in AAU.
"That was a big part of my decision, already having that relationship with them, CJ, Kianna, Bird, Jaelyn especially."
One of the hallmarks of the Cal women's hoops program is the cameradie on the team, which is certainly something that appealed to the congenial Forbes.
"We're super close-knit," said Forbes. "Everyone brings their different personalities, so it's always a good time.
That close relationship extends to the coaching staff, as well.
"Just being here -from walking on campus to just stopping by the coaches offices and saying hi to Lind's or whoever it is, they're always willing to talk and drop their work for you."
The #5 wing and 35th rated recruit overall in the 2018 class, Forbes brings a dynamic presence to the floor and should be able to help the Bears in a lot of ways and could play an important role in helping replace four year starting wing Mikayla Cowling, who was drafted 33rd in the 2018 WNBA draft by the Connecticut Sun.
"I definitely think I bring a lot of versatility to the team," said Forbes "Losing Mikayla was a lot. She could handle guard and shoot it or go down low.
"I definitely think I could bring some of that. I think I bring my shooting ability. I can handle the ball on the break. I can play guard and handle it. I think I bring a lot of energy, as well."
Forbes grew up playing against her taller brothers -Marcus, Max, and Mason- and the experience breeded a toughness and competive spirit as she continued to develop as a player. Her twin brother Mason signed with Harvard last year and will be a part of their freshman class in 2018.
"They definitely are a big part of why my game is where it is today," said Forbes. "Just growing up playing against them, two-on-two in the park or in the backyard or wherever it may be.
"They definitely toughened me up because they didn't go light on me, so I think that, for sure, has a lot to do with my game today.
"They were always taller, stronger, faster."
Basketball runs in the family from the top down, as both her father Sterling and grandfather, Sterling Sr. played with basketball royalty in stints with the Harlem Globetrotters after playing college ball.
"He spent 10 years with the Harlem Globetrotters from '85 to '95," said Brown of her falther. "A lot of people say I play like him. His nickname was actually, 'Smooth.'
"A few of his old buddies that came and watched my game actually say that I play just like him. Just kind of smooth with the ball and like the way he moved.
"I guess they say we make it look easy, so I guess that's what transferred to me the most."
Overall, Forbes and her teammates are coming into the season with high expectations and a roster loaded with talented players.
"I'm optimistic about this season," said Forbes. "Super-excited.
"We have a great group, a lot of pieces of the puzzle.
"This summer has been great. The energy is high every day so I'm super-excited."
The Bears take to the court in their exhibition opener at Haas Pavilion on November 1st against Santa Barbara's Westmont College.
