Forbes embraces Adelaide life, chases playoffs

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The Southern Tigers are back in the NBL1 Central finals race and import Holly Forbes believes they're only just getting started.

On the latest episode of NBL1 Central Unleashed, Forbes joined hosts Burf and Caldi after Southern's season-defining 70-63 win over Forestville, a result that leaves the Tigers just one game outside the top four.

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The American forward was sensational against the Eagles, finishing with 24 points, 18 rebounds and three steals while shooting an ultra-efficient 8-of-10 from the field.

But Forbes was quick to spread the credit.

She praised frontcourt partner Molly McKendrick, whose defensive work against Forestville star Emma Booth helped Southern control the paint and keep its finals hopes alive.

"It's so good to have Molly as a teammate just because she has such a good basketball IQ," Forbes said.

"If you go here, I'm going to get you the ball and then I'm going to cut to this spot.

"We do play similarly, but our offence and our coach have done a good job of utilising us to the best of our abilities."

The win came amid uncertainty surrounding Forestville superstar Sam Simons, who was absent from the game.

Forbes revealed the Tigers had heard rumours but prepared as if Simons would play.

"We just went into it guessing that she was going to be there and preparing that way," Forbes said.

"No matter what, if she was or she wasn't, we just played hard and played our game."

Despite playing for her third NBL1 Central club, Forbes says Adelaide has become much more than a basketball stopover.

"I just love Adelaide honestly, and I just love Australia in general," she said.

"I think that I can make Australia my home permanently."

The Missouri native also spoke about her unusual hometown of Bonne Terre, famous for its flooded mines where locals go scuba diving, and detailed a college career that took her from junior college at Mineral Area College to Robert Morris before finishing at UT Martin.

With five games remaining, Southern sits seventh but is just one win outside the playoff places.

Forbes isn't interested in looking too far ahead.

"If we look at it as a whole, it looks like this big, massive mountain," she said.

"But if we just keep chipping away at it one team at a time, then it's going to be something that we can attain."

The episode also features a deep dive into the NBL1 Central finals race, the debate over who is really the second-best women's team behind West Adelaide, MVP discussions and Round 12 predictions.

Listen now to NBL1 Central Unleashed wherever you get your podcasts.

🎙 What To Expect from Unleashed This Season

NBL1 Central Unleashed will continue to deliver:

• Weekly ladder predictions
• Insider roster discussion
• Player interviews
• Honest assessments (even when uncomfortable)
• The best analysis in the league

If you follow NBL1 Central closely, this is your weekly must-listen.

🎧 Tune in above and stay across all NBL1 Central coverage at basketball.com.au

About NBL1 Central Unleashed Hosts

Chris “Caldi” Caldicott is a long-time basketball lifer and co-host of NBL1 Central Unleashed. Having been involved in South Australian club basketball since 1993 and previously serving as an assistant coach in NBL1 Central, Caldi brings decades of experience and strong relationships throughout the league. His insider perspective helps the podcast deliver fast-paced conversations, behind-the-scenes insight, and relatable stories about the players, coaches, and clubs that make NBL1 Central one of Australia’s most passionate basketball communities.

Jake “Burf” Burfitt is the co-host of NBL1 Central Unleashed and one of the lead play-by-play commentators for the NBL1 Central league in South Australia. Having represented the state as a commentator at the NBL1 National Finals, Burf brings a professional broadcasting perspective and deep understanding of the game. With strong connections across all 10 clubs in the league, he delivers accurate insight and informed analysis on the players, teams, and storylines shaping the competition. Known for his calm, factual approach, Burf provides the perfect balance to co-host Caldi’s explosive energy, helping drive thoughtful and engaging basketball conversations each episode.