FIBA 3x3 MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - When Marquette junior forward Skylar Forbes was asked to be on the Canadian 3x3 team, she couldn't turn down a new opportunity.
"3 on 3 is something that I've never really done. We do it in practice a little bit but not in a way you would in an actual FIBA league," said Forbes.
It's not a chance coach Cara Consuegra wanted her to miss either.
"Anytime a player can get some international experience, it's always a great thing for us," said Consuegra. "Typically, in the international play they're playing bigger stronger sometimes professional level players. it's just a whole another level for them for them to be able to work on what we're working on in the summer and to grow."
Forbes played in the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series stop in Vienna, Austria in mid-June. 3x3 is a half court game with 3 players on each side and one sub playing with a 10-minute running clock. There's a 12-second shot clock and games are scored by 1s and 2s with first to 21, or if time runs out, wins.
"That fits into her game perfectly," said Consuegra. "3x3 it just opens the court so much. You can't help very much; it's a lot of 1-on-1 play. For a player like Skylar that has the skillset that she does. I think she's perfect for that game."
"I feel like for 3-on-3 you have to play more than one position and that kinda translates into how I play here," said Forbes.
Forbes scored a total of 6 points in two games helping Canada go 1-1 in qualifying games but could not advance to the next round.
Skylar Forbes playing
"Obviously not getting the result that we wanted but it was still really fun," said Forbes.
This is the second time Forbes has been able to suit up for Canada. playing for the Canadian U18 team in 2022 in Argentina. She can't wait for the next opportunity.
"I think it's super amazing to be able to represent your country and wear that across my chest and it's an experience that I would love to be able to continue to have," said Forbes.
In her immediate future, Forbes returns as Marquette's leading scorer from a season ago. She's ready to shoulder more responsibility.
"She's going to be able to take so much of what she learned both on the court, leadership, as a great teammate and just elevate," said Consuegra. "We just have to elevate a little bit. Skylar has to lead us in that. I think she's having a good summer."
"Just keep building whether that's basketball wise on the court or just leadership in itself," said Forbes. "Just be able to stack my days and be a better player for myself, be a better player for my teammates and my coaches."
When this season tips off, Marquette will be looking to build off a 21-11 record and a trip to the WBIT in Consuegra's first year with the Golden Eagles.
