Greg Monroe: Versatility is the name of his game

Ivan McDowell
Southeast/Mid-South Editor

Louisiana forward continues trend of multifaceted big men

October 8, 2006 - Ever increasingly are the days of the big man strictly playing in the low post or “on the blocks” becoming obsolete. Today’s big is highly skilled, shows omnipresence on the court and can do a myriad of things that not only showcase their own scoring prowess, but highlight their guard-like proficiency in dishing and handling “ the rock”.

Louisiana forward Greg Monroe currently ranked the #1 prospect in 2008 by Rivals.com and Scout, Inc., as well as Van Coleman’s Hoopmasters.com, illustrates the versatility these big men possess.

Greg, all 6’10 220 pounds of him, averaged 17 points, 11 rebounds and seven blocks during his sophomore season at Harvey, Louisiana’s Helen Cox High School.
The Cougars finished the season with a 32-6 campaign and a quarterfinal appearance in the state’s 4A playoffs.

Greg Monroe works hard at hoops and the books. His grade point average is exemplary. (Picture courtesy of Scout.com)

Monroe’s accolades do not end there, however. He was named 1st team All-State and was selected to the underclassman squad of the All-USA team.

While toiling this summer for the New Orleans Panthers AAU hoopsters, Monroe displayed his advanced skill set during several events including the Nike Peach Jam, which i95ballerz.com was fortunate to attend.

At the North Augusta, SC event, Monroe showed why he is the most polished youngster of his size and his class.

“I would say my strengths right now are my ball handling, passing ability and effectiveness on both the offensive and defensive glass”, said Monroe.

Witnessing Greg’s total package at Peach Jam, it’s easy to see why he is considered the best of the best in 2008. He excels at not only finishing on the break, but can lead it also, a skill formerly uncommon in 6’10 players.

Not being limited in any one area, Greg also shows great dexterity in putting the ball on the floor in the half court and facing up opponents with a rapidly improving jump shot.

Defensively, Monroe is a hawk. He uses his impressive athleticism, long arms and superior b-ball IQ to out position and out work opponents who mistake him for just an interior threat.

“I still need to work on my perimeter shot. I have to be more consistent with my jumper to make guys who play off of me pay”, stated Greg.

Monroe had a standout Nike Peach Jam experience personally, though his team didn't fare as well. (Picture courtesy of Scout.com)

Greg made the NY Gauchos, SYF Players and California Hoops pay during the Panthers three-game run at Peach Jam, which was held in North Augusta, South Carolina. Although New Orleans fell short with a 1-2 record for the tournament, Greg posted double-doubles in two of the three games and just missed another with nine rebounds in the third.

For the tourney Monroe averaged 21 points, 13 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.7 blocks. He supplied a monster individual performance of 31 points, 15 rebounds versus the NY Gauchos, a team that featured fellow 2008 high-major prospect Jordan Theodore. Greg also rolled up 18 points, 16 boards, four assists and three blocks against the California Hoops squad.

Not one to let lofty expectations and presumptive rankings go to his head, Greg stays grounded and humble and states the main reason for all of his success.

“I owe a lot to my mom (Norma), my pastor and all the basketball coaches that help to improve my game everyday”, exclaimed Greg, who also boasts a 4.3 GPA in the classroom.

Greg’s recruitment list reads like the roll call at an NCAA Championship banquet. Louisville, Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, LSU, UNC and Florida all hope to secure a verbal commitment from him in the not too distant future.