All-Big East center declaring for draft
Ending weeks of speculation after Georgetown’s upset loss in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the Hoyas announced via statement that sophomore center Greg Monroe will forego his final two years of college and submit his name for the 2010 NBA Draft.
Monroe will sign with an agent, thus cementing his professional status.
The 6-foot-10 Monroe, who averaged 16.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 blocks en route to first-team All-Big East and third-team All-America honors, told the press after the Hoyas lost to Ohio on March 18 that he hadn’t played his last game for Georgetown. One NBA agent said last week that there were indications Monroe would stay. But his decision to leave does not come as a surprise, given how high he is projected to go in this year’s draft and potential NBA labor uncertainly that could affect the process in 2011.
“It was mentally what I wanted to do,” Monroe said in a statement. “I feel like I’m ready to make this step after working with our coaches for two years. I’ve enjoyed being able to represent Georgetown. I’ve enjoyed my experience and while I am leaving campus, I still will always be a part of Georgetown.
As he was after his freshman season, Monroe is projected to be a lottery pick — sixth overall by NBAdraft.net, ninth by DraftExpress.com. That would make him the third Georgetown player in four years to be selected high in the draft, following Jeff Green, the fifth overall pick in 2007, and Roy Hibbert, who was drafted 17th overall in 2008.
“Greg and I, along with his family, have examined the situation and he has made an educated decision,” said Hoyas head coach John Thompson III. “We have watched him grow as a player and as a young man while here at Georgetown. We support him and I look forward to watching and cheering him on for many years to come.”
