Forest Able
Forest Edward Able | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 27, 1932 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Other names | Frosty |
| Occupation(s) | Professional basketball player, basketball coach, physical education teacher |
| Years active | 1950s–1960s (player and coach) |
| Known for | Playing for Syracuse Nationals, coaching at Fairdale High School |
Forest Edward Able (born July 27, 1932) is a former American professional basketball athlete, commonly known by the nickname "Frosty".
Able played as a guard and attended Fairdale High School located in Louisville, Kentucky. He began his collegiate career at the University of Louisville, participating on their freshman squad during the 1951–52 season. Subsequently, he transferred to Western Kentucky State College (presently Western Kentucky University) to be nearer to his girlfriend. During his tenure at Western Kentucky, Able accumulated 1,221 points and was honored as the Hilltoppers’ most valuable player in his senior year. Additionally, he was selected for the Newspaper Enterprise Association’s 26-man All-America team.
In the 1956 NBA draft, Able was chosen in the third round as the 20th overall pick by the Syracuse Nationals. His tenure in professional basketball was short-lived; he appeared in a single game facing the Rochester Royals, where he attempted two field goals, contributed one assist, and grabbed one rebound. Reflecting on his debut, Able admitted to feeling "a nervous wreck" and was soon released from the team.
Following his playing days, Able took on the role of head coach at Fairdale High School starting in 1959, guiding the basketball program for more than ten years. Alongside coaching, he dedicated three decades to teaching physical education and health. His outstanding collegiate performance earned him induction into the WKU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011.
His grandson, Kameron Able, pursued football with the Morehead State Eagles.
Regular season
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