Bryn Forbes is still competing in the NBA Playoffs, and his college coach was on hand to cheer him on Thursday night.

Playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, Forbes and company were facing elimination in a Game 6 matchup with Brooklyn. Fortunately, Milwaukee avoided elimination behind a big performance by Khris Middleton to force a do-or-die Game 7 showdown.

Prior to the game, Bucks reporter Zora Stephenson caught up with Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo who was there to cheer on Forbes. Izzo was not shy about missing Forbes’ contributions from his days playing with the Spartans:

“I miss him. Cause he made a lot of shots and we didn’t make many this year,” explained Izzo. “He was an unbelievable kid…he’s a worker and he’s a shooter, and he’s turned into even a little more than that.

“His journey is he’s been persistent. He kept working on his craft, kept working on his shooting, he got stronger – he was a skinny little guy when I had him. He’s really improved, and that’s what I love about him, he’s constantly gotten better.”

When asked about the key to Forbes’ success as an NBA player, Izzo rattled off a quick joke:

“Good college coaching,” joked Izzo before finishing the interview. “I’m a big Bucks fan tonight!”

Forbes is still looking for a big output in Milwaukee’s second-round series against Brooklyn. He scored two points Thursday and is averaging 5.3 points against the Nets after averaging 15 points and shooting 49% from three-point range against the Miami Heat.