Washington Times Article On Greg Monroe

[DFW HOYA]

Barker Davis's feature on Greg Monroe's "potential" is sure to get some posts and here's the opener.

The assertion that Monroe is somehow "disappointing" because he isn't ringing up inflated high school numbers is not relevant to what he will do within the Georgetown system. Big numbers as a high schooler aren't a guarantee of success (see Jerry Nichols and his 35 ppg in high school) nor a predictor of how he will do within a system.

Everything about Monroe to date suggests a great Georgetown player to come. And way back when, when the elder Patrick Ewing was downgraded by some to the third best high school center in America behind Greg Dreiling and Stuart Gray, it was pointed out that once he got to Georgetown, these "experts" might be reconsidering things. They did, and they will in this case, too.

washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080118/SPORTS/111065734/1005/SPORTS

[ephoya04]

I see this article as a fair handed evaluation, relying on the quotes and opinions of the scouting "experts", whatever that means.

I disagree that with your assertion about the disappointment stemming from the lack of numbers. The article seems to indicate disappointment over his approach to the game and his demeanor on the court and the fact that, from the box scores, he got crushed by two other elite prospects (Samuels and Aminu). The telling line from the article goes something along the lines of "Greg loves to win but we aren't sure if he hates to lose."

Look, I've never seen the guy play so I won't offer any opinions on his play. I will say that the guys is 17 or 18, during senior year of HS and that he's not done developing, physically or emotionally as a player. I think he is falling victim to the 24 hr news cycle. If he does what it sounds like he's capable of when he puts on the blue & grey, all will be forgotten.

[Dhall]

I hate the excuse of "he's just unselfish" because I don't think he's averaging 10 assists per game either.

Glad to have him signed as a Hoya, but based on this and his televised games he obviously needs to improve before making any serious impact. He's probably not going to be Austin Freeman, who has been just outstanding for a freshman.

[ExcitableBoy]

Jan 18, 2008 9:31:11 GMT -5 Dhall said:

I hate the excuse of "he's just unselfish" because I don't think he's averaging 10 assists per game either.

Glad to have him signed as a Hoya, but based on this and his televised games he obviously needs to improve before making any serious impact. He's probably not going to be Austin Freeman, who has been just outstanding for a freshman.

Last year--and even last summer--the same was said about Freeman (that he looks 'disinterested' at times). That worked out pretty well.

I believe Monroe when he says "being surrounded by double- and triple-teams, the best play for me is usually a pass, setting my teammates up for easy buckets. What's most important is winning. And our best chance to win usually comes if I pass." You're going to chalk that up to his great PR guy?

Even if you're right and he 'only' scores 10 and gets 5 assists, that still accounts for 20 of his team's ~50 or 60 points. Add in the fact that his teammates probably shoot maybe 40% (and thus miss 60% of shots off a Monroe pass) and his impact on the game doesn't look quite so 'disinterested.'

[SFHoya99]

I don't think Austin-like impact is unreasonable for Monroe at all. He needs to score when asked -- but we're talking 10-12 pts per game. And while Austin has unreal efficiency, Monroe can get to that easier because he can get more interior buckets.

He's going to outrebound Austin and be a stronger defender, so what he might lack behind Austin in scoring will likely be made up on the other end.

I think where people are unrealistic is thinking he's going to come in like Durant or something. Aside from not getting that many touches, I don't think he's that type of player.

[mrsixer123]

he sounds like a perfect hoya to me. i do not like my players making faces and jumping up and down like a fool to show how "intense" he is. he sounds as if he is a unselfish and calm player like Austin and i absolutely love that.

also, the fact that he is spending some time on the perimeter is not that bad either as our big men are routinely asked to handle, pass and defend on the perimeter more than most teams. the kid sounds like a perfect match. so what if he is not going to be zo when it comes to passion!! my question is, who in the world has or ever will bring the same passion as zo. the mere fact that he is being compared to our all time greats, ALREADY, is all you really need to know how good he is.........................

BTW, ask the kid that Greg dunked on during his game on ESPN if he plays with passion. Jeff used to do the same thing, dunk on a guy and just walk to the free throw line as if all he did was make a layup!

[mrsixer123]

Jan 18, 2008 10:44:26 GMT -5 SFHoya99 said:

I don't think Austin-like impact is unreasonable for Monroe at all. He needs to score when asked -- but we're talking 10-12 pts per game. And while Austin has unreal efficiency, Monroe can get to that easier because he can get more interior buckets.

He's going to outrebound Austin and be a stronger defender, so what he might lack behind Austin in scoring will likely be made up on the other end.

I think where people are unrealistic is thinking he's going to come in like Durant or something. Aside from not getting that many touches, I don't think he's that type of player.

i agree 100%!!

1. our system is not built on have one player taking a Durant-like number of shots.

2. our talent base does not need a single player to dominate the scoring each game!! in fact, that type of player would be the demise of our system, IMO.

3. Greg will come in, fill a void and keep our momentum moving towards a 2nd NCAA title. throw in austin and Chris and wow, I'm looking forward to next season already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SFHoya99]

Next year will be interesting. We'll definitely be very talented, but likely fairly young. At best, we'll have one senior and three juniors in what will likely be an 8 to 9 man rotation. At least two sophomores and likely two freshmen will play huge roles -- not unlike this year except for the fact that we have three seniors and a junior with Final Four experience.

On the other hand, the physical talent will be better. But the skill level may not be and the experience won't be.

It'll be also interesting to see how much style of play changes when we are so perimeter based and there aren't really any slow-play players left (except maybe Braswell).

[RDF]

I like the evaluation of his temperment--that is what is in need of work-but the better players figure it out--quickly. One thing that happens with kids like this--scrutiny grows. It's not like most HS players who don't have every game/move criticized/analyzed. It's easier for guards/wing players to impress, but for a Big--it's not as easy and watching Helen Cox play--the coaching was less then impressive. "Getting other kids scholarships" doesn't happen. It's their job to raise their game-and if they earn it--they'll be noticed while people are watching you play. I don't buy into that gibberish.

As for Monroe's talent/game--he'll be fine. I am not even concerned. I actually think the fact he's getting ragged on so much--will make his performance more surprising in a positive way next season.

Just a hunch here--and I could be completely wrong--but I think he might "shine" in those Post Season All Star Games with better teammates--amazing how your passing skills get complimented when you have better players receiving the passes. He'll also have more room to operate with better frontcourt teammates and bigger teammates who can take on some of the role he has to do for his HS team.

The kid flourished at the Nike Camp, at the Portland Nike Event--leading his team to blowout victories over Samardo Samuels and Tyreke Evans teams---his AAU team is a lot like his HS team--and he'd often get them to Quarterfinal play--and it's not as if there was a lot of talent on his team.

I'll be honest with the board--I think the kid being most slept on nationally and in this class for Hoyas is Henry Sims. I think he's got an opportunity to be a fantastic player and immediately. Throw in Chris Braswell--who was considered a top 10 recruit in '08 class before injuries/other issues sidelined him last year--and he's performing well and has outstanding talent, and Jason Clark who is a fabulous player--to me no class in '08 is better. This isn't the best year for talent overall--but Hoyas get an A++ from me in terms of who they signed/how they fit the program.
Then again, I judge a class on how they compliment what is already on roster--and it is exactly what Hoyas needed--3 bigs who can do various things--but all are good on glass/post threats--and Sims is a wonderful shooter facing up. Shot blocking automatically improves, and Jason Clark is best defensive guard Hoyas have recruited in a long time--in addition to doing everything well.

Monroe won't have to be the #1 player in country--he'll just have to do what is asked--and he's capable of helping in many areas. It's just that he won't have to be "The Man" right away--and it'll allow him to develop. Remember Jeff Green entered Georgetown without fame/acclaim and into a program that was down. He was able to develop without scrutiny and was having a mediocre JR season--until this time a year ago--and he took off and carried team--everything came together. Monroe won't be afforded same "protection" from media--so he'll be judged much more harshly--yet I think he'll be outstanding fit immediately.

We'll see how it shakes out--but nobody in '08 class is a better fit for Hoya program in terms of how they play/size/skills.

[idhoya]

RDF,

I told Ron the same thing last night. He agreed that he could "surprise", but improve his strength and quicks. He also stated he's working hard on that.

[lichoya68]

wwoow the commetns about freeman looking disinterested at times gimme a break from what ive seen its cold and calm and tough and preetty unflappable exectpt maybe for the pitt game so i think they got austin all wrong hope thats the same with greg austin goes to the boards with smarts and authority adn also to the smooth calm layups go hoyas ;D

[blueandgray]

freeman is an impact freshman and so will monroe. will mononroe average 18 and 10 as a freashman...probably not. will he average 13 and 7?... i'm willing to bet on it.

the problem with monroe is all the hype that comes with being the #1 rated high school player in the country. forget about all that for a minute. treat greg like any other freashman coming to the hilltop... be patient with him... and in time he will pay dividends. Do not however start making comparisons to Alonzo, Patrick, or anyone else. Let him play a full season before we start attaching labels to him.

All i know is fast forward two years... with Hollis, Greg, Chris, Austin and Dajuan... we are going to have a SQUAD!!!!!

[hifigator]

I am just glad to see someone else quote from the Washington Times. 98% of the Country only knows of the Washington Post. The Times is way better.

[AvantGuardHoya]

Jan 18, 2008 17:20:57 GMT -5 hifigator said:

I am just glad to see someone else quote from the Washington Times. 98% of the Country only knows of the Washington Post. The Times is way better.

...if you need a fish wrapper.

Lots of posters , including me, find Barker Davis' coverage of the Hoyas appealing. I wouldn't even think of touching the Times for much else.

[OldHoyafan]

Jan 18, 2008 17:20:57 GMT -5 hifigator said:

I am just glad to see someone else quote from the Washington Times. 98% of the Country only knows of the Washington Post. The Times is way better.

Personally I am not a fan of the Times, but I enjoy reading Barker's articles on the Hoyas. He seems to speak to the concerns most people on this board have. Anyone who saw the game against the team from Georgia and is a Hoya fan probably asked the same questions under his or her breath while watching the game. I think the starting lineup next year of Macklin at center, Monroe at big forward, Summers at small forward, Freeman at 2 guard, and Sapp at point will give Monroe room to display his enormous skills.

[balla]

Good points RDF and Avantguard. Monroe dominated Samuels and Amino this summer when the surrounding talent was equal. But regardless, I will enjoy watching his growth under III.


Not many people on the planet have Zo's intensity. Heck, Zo is intense if you beat him in pool or if you don't use a coaster and leave a ring on his class table(LOL). I will be happy to see Monroe have Jerome or Don's Intensity.

Then again I would like to see everyone on the current roster approach the game with at least Jerome or Don's passion. These kids do not have to be old school Hoyas and play every game like its their last, but it is blasphemy for Hoyas to be out rebounded or out hustled...

[mapei]

Jan 19, 2008 2:25:57 GMT -5 balla said:

I would like to see everyone on the current roster approach the game with at least Jerome or Don's passion.

Heck, who wouldn't? That's asking a lot, though. Those guys were special in that regard.

[prhoya]

I think Monroe will be a great player and fit at GU. We don't need him to be the center of attention next year.

What interest me the most is how long will it take for each freshman to be comfortable enough with our style to contribute next year. We'll be missing two starters and our sixth man. Most importantly, Mack will need help.

[hifigator]

Jan 18, 2008 17:51:04 GMT -5 AvantGuardHoya said:

Jan 18, 2008 17:20:57 GMT -5 hifigator said:

I am just glad to see someone else quote from the Washington Times. 98% of the Country only knows of the Washington Post. The Times is way better.

...if you need a fish wrapper.

Lots of posters , including me, find Barker Davis' coverage of the Hoyas appealing. I wouldn't even think of touching the Times for much else.

Actually, I almost never see the times on the news stands. But I do get he weekly review edition of the Washington Times. That is a running gag with a bunch of my liberal friends. I will almost always have a copy of "The Times" close by. The weekly edition has a lot of editorials from during the week. It is a decent assortment of work from those on the right -- O'Reilly, Will, Buckley etc... and those on the left -- Dowd, Ivans (RIP), Raspberry and those more in the middle -- Sowell, Maxwell etc...

[MEGAFAN]

I think you meant to say a 3rd NCAA title, or are you short-changing this years squad?

Before we worry too much about Monroe and co., let's remember that if this team continues to improve, which has been the case every year under JT III, they will be a force to be reckoned with, and this is why I'm looking to book my Tokyo-San Antonio flight sooner rather than later!

LET'S GO HOYAS!!!

Jan 18, 2008 11:02:00 GMT -5 mrsixer123 said:

Jan 18, 2008 10:44:26 GMT -5 SFHoya99 said:

I don't think Austin-like impact is unreasonable for Monroe at all. He needs to score when asked -- but we're talking 10-12 pts per game. And while Austin has unreal efficiency, Monroe can get to that easier because he can get more interior buckets.

He's going to outrebound Austin and be a stronger defender, so what he might lack behind Austin in scoring will likely be made up on the other end.

I think where people are unrealistic is thinking he's going to come in like Durant or something. Aside from not getting that many touches, I don't think he's that type of player.

i agree 100%!!

1. our system is not built on have one player taking a Durant-like number of shots.

2. our talent base does not need a single player to dominate the scoring each game!! in fact, that type of player would be the demise of our system, IMO.

3. Greg will come in, fill a void and keep our momentum moving towards a 2nd NCAA title. throw in austin and Chris and wow, I'm looking forward to next season already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!