BIO: Oscar Forman was born in Adelaide (SA) and began playing basketball as a junior with the Sturt basketball program.

Forman spent 17 seasons in the Australian NBL. While playing primarily as a power forward, Forman was often used in a small forward role as specialist three-point shooter. Forman received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 2000. He spent one year there and played for the program’s state league team.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Oscar Forman made his NBL debut with the Adelaide 36ers at 19 years of age. He scored five points in his first game.

In his debut NBL season with the Adelaide 36ers, Forman contributed 2.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.3 assists, providing valuable minutes off the bench. Adelaide finished in third place with a 17-13 record, and the season ended on a high note as the 36ers clinched the NBL Championship. Forman’s early experience with a championship-winning squad helped establish his foundation as a reliable forward.

2002/03
In his second season, Forman’s role grew slightly, and he averaged 3.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. His increased contribution helped Adelaide to a fifth-place finish (16-14), although they were unable to replicate their championship success from the previous season.

2003/04
The 2003/04 season saw further improvement from Forman, who posted 5.9 points, 4 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game. His expanded role solidified his spot in the 36ers rotation, though Adelaide faced challenges, ultimately finishing in eighth place with a 14-19 record.

2004/05
Forman experienced a breakout season, averaging 10.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists. He led the league in three-point shooting percentage, becoming a potent offensive weapon for Adelaide. The 36ers enjoyed a strong season, finishing fourth (19-13) and making a notable playoff run. Forman’s long-range shooting and versatility were key assets for the team.

2005/06
Building on his success, Forman delivered another solid season, averaging 10.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. Adelaide finished fourth again with a 19-13 record, and Forman’s consistent play solidified his reputation as a dependable forward with a reliable shooting touch from beyond the arc.

NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS
2006/07
Forman transitioned to the New Zealand Breakers for the 2006/07 season, where he averaged 10.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. Despite his strong individual performance, the Breakers struggled to find their footing, ending the season in tenth place with an 11-22 record. Forman’s ability to stretch the floor, however, made an impact in his first season with New Zealand.

2007/08
Following a promising debut season with the Breakers, Forman re-signed on a three-year deal. He averaged 9.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists over 32 games, contributing consistently as New Zealand showed improvement, finishing seventh with a 16-14 record. Forman’s scoring and rebounding helped anchor the team as they continued building toward success.

2008/09
Following the financial collapse of the Brisbane Bullets, head coach Andrej Lemanis strengthened the Breakers by bringing in free agents CJ Bruton and Dillon Boucher. Bruton, a two-time NBL champion, expressed his desire to help New Zealand secure their first championship, joining a core of Paul Henare, Kirk Penney, Phill Jones, Oscar Forman, Tony Ronaldson, and Tim Behrendorff. Import Rick Rickert was later signed, completing a well-rounded lineup.

With Bruton running the point (16.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.7 steals) and Penney lighting up the scoreboard (24.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists), the Breakers played an impressive season. Penney was named NBL MVP—the first New Zealand-born player to earn this honour—and Bruton provided the team with the stability and direction it had been missing. Jones was also recognized as the league’s Sixth Man of the Year.

However, when Bruton suffered a high-ankle sprain in December with the team leading the league at 15–4, New Zealand stumbled, losing eight of their next nine games. Despite the setback, they closed the regular season with an 18–12 record, earning their first home playoff game, where they defeated Adelaide (131–101). However, they fell in the semifinals to defending champions Melbourne, ending their historic season.

Forman showcased his sharpshooting by leading the league in three-point percentage for the second time and finishing with averages of 12.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.

2009/10
Fresh off their playoff debut, the Breakers aimed to build on their success, though roster adjustments were necessary as Phill Jones left for Cairns and Tim Behrendorff joined Wollongong. To strengthen the roster, New Zealand initially signed Dave Thomas, but his retirement due to injury led to the addition of former NBA player Awvee Storey. With development player Thomas Abercrombie joining the full squad, the Breakers retained a mix of emerging talent and veteran experience.

The team faced adversity when Kirk Penney missed nine games due to a back injury, significantly impacting their scoring capability. Meanwhile, Storey (7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds) struggled to fit with the team and was released after nine games, with veteran John Rillie temporarily joining the roster. Mid-season, the addition of import Kevin Braswell (9.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 2.3 steals) brought new energy as the Breakers finished the season with six consecutive wins, though they ultimately missed the playoffs by a narrow margin, ending in fifth place (15-13).

Forman saw a notable decrease in his role and production this season, averaging 7.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.7 assists across 27 games.

WOLLONGONG HAWKS
2010/11
This season, the Hawks were led by dynamic import Gary Ervin (20.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists), who won the NBL MVP, becoming the first Hawk to receive the honour since Mike Jones in 1981. Oscar Forman, rejuvenated after his reduced role with the Breakers, emerged as a key contributor, averaging 13.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. His efforts helped Wollongong secure a 15-13 record, finishing in fifth place.

2011/12
The 2011/12 season proved challenging for the Hawks as they missed the playoffs, finishing in eighth place with a 9-19 record. Despite the team’s struggles, Oscar Forman remained a consistent presence, averaging 10.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists. Forman’s contributions were crucial, particularly in standout performances that kept the Hawks competitive.

One of Forman’s most remarkable games of the season—and arguably of his career—came against his former team, the New Zealand Breakers, on February 11. Facing the eventual NBL champions, Forman delivered an electrifying 29-point, 7-rebound performance in just 33 minutes, leading the Hawks to a surprise victory. Forman’s shooting was nothing short of phenomenal; he hit 11 of his 12 field-goal attempts, including a flawless 7/7 from beyond the arc, ending with a field goal percentage of 91.7%. His precision and efficiency on this night stunned the Breakers, marking one of the season’s most impressive individual performances. Notably, Forman played turnover-free basketball, single-handedly securing the Hawks a prized victory over the league’s top team.

2012/13
Forman continued his strong form in the 2012/13 season, delivering averages of 11.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 0.6 assists. His consistency played a significant role in helping the Hawks secure a third-place finish with a 13-15 record at the end of the regular season.

2013/14
In the 2013/14 season, Forman maintained his steady contributions, averaging 10.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. His veteran presence was valuable for the Hawks, who finished the season in fourth place with a 13-15 record, once again securing a playoff position.

2014/15
During the 2014/15 season, Forman averaged 9.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. Despite his efforts and leadership, the Hawks struggled throughout the season and ultimately finished in eighth place with a 6-22 record, marking a challenging year for the team.

2015/16
Following the departure of long-time coach Gordie McLeod, Illawarra signed Rob Beveridge as head coach for the 2015/16 season. Beveridge made significant moves, recruiting AJ Ogilvy, Kirk Penney, and Kevin Lisch from Europe, a trio soon dubbed “the three-headed monster.” However, Lisch suffered a knee injury in the Hawks’ opening game, limiting the trio’s time on court together during the early season.

Lisch returned with a 15-point, 7-rebound performance in a loss to his former team, the Perth Wildcats (106–99). His impact grew throughout December, culminating in an NBL Player of the Month award for averaging 22.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds, highlighted by a career-high 40 points in a double-overtime win over New Zealand (103–96). Shortly after, he played his 150th NBL game in a loss to the Wildcats.

Oscar Forman played a consistent role, appearing in 31 games and averaging 8.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. Illawarra finished the regular season in third place (17–11), setting up a semifinals clash against the second-seeded Perth Wildcats. In Game 1, Lisch suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter, returning later in a moon boot. Without Lisch for Game 2, the Hawks rallied at home to tie the series but fell in Game 3 (89–74) despite Lisch’s return. The Hawks were eliminated from the playoffs.

Penney earned All-NBL Second Team honours, while Ogilvy (16.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists) and Lisch (19.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.8 steals) were both named to the All-NBL First Team. Lisch also claimed Best Defensive Player and his second NBL MVP, becoming just the second player in league history to win MVP honours with two different teams.

2016/17
The offseason presented new challenges for the Hawks as Kevin Lisch departed to join rival Sydney, who extended a lucrative offer, and veteran Kirk Penney returned to New Zealand. Beveridge acted swiftly, recruiting Mitch Norton and Nick Kay from the now-defunct Townsville Crocodiles on two-year contracts, with former Crocs coach Shawn Dennis recommending both players to Beveridge.

To bolster the roster, Beveridge brought back former Hawk and NBL MVP Rotnei Clarke, added Marvelle Harris as a second import, and retained key players like Forman, Tim Coenraad, Rhys Martin, and Kevin White. The team initially struggled, sitting at the bottom of the ladder by Round 4, but found rhythm towards season’s end, clinching a playoff spot. Forman finished the regular season averaging 6.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.4 assists.

In the semifinals, the Hawks faced top-seeded Adelaide, losing Game 1 (93–78) but surprising many by taking Games 2 (100–94) and 3 (106-98), eliminating the 36ers. Clarke led with 20 points in the decisive game. They advanced to the Grand Final against Beveridge’s former team, Perth, but were swept in three games, with Bryce Cotton’s record-breaking 45-point performance in Game 3 securing the Wildcats’ eighth NBL Championship and earning Cotton the Finals MVP.

2017/18
In his final NBL season, Forman played a reduced role, averaging 3.7 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.2 assists. Illawarra finished fifth with a 12-16 record, narrowly missing the playoffs, marking the end of Forman’s NBL career.

Oscar Forman played seventeen seasons across four NBL teams. This included the Adelaide 36ers, Wollongong Hawks, New Zealand Breakers and Illawarra Hawks. He averaged 8.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 508 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 11th in total games played.
– 47th in total rebounds
– 38th in total blocks

Dan Boyce (827 Posts)

Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.