Chad Ford on Greg Monroe's Draft Status

In a blog entry today, Chad Ford addressed Greg Monroe.

I continue to field more questions about Georgetown big man Greg Monroe than any other prospect in the draft not named John Wall. The questions are all asking why Monroe could've been ranked in the top 10 last season, but not ranked in the lottery this season. Monore is a year older, is having a very good sophomore season and unlike last year, his team is now winning.

Monroe supporters point to a series of strong games of late including a 29-point, 16-rebound, 4-block performance against Villanova, a 21-point, 14-rebound, 7-assist game against Rutgers and, most recently, a 21-point, 5-rebound, 5-assist game versus Duke.

How can a 6-10 big man with this many skills not be in the lottery? I sometimes ask the same question. All I can say is that NBA scouts aren't sold. They think Monroe isn't athletic enough and they question his motor.

In between the aforementioned games we just spoke of, he had some rocky outings, including 8-point performances against both Seton Hall and Syracuse. He also went 4-for-14 from the field against Pittsburgh.

With so many 4s with extreme athleticism in front of him, including Patrick Patterson, Ekpe Udoh, Larry Sanders and Whiteside, he's having problems distinguishing himself.

Still, I wonder whether teams will change their tune as we get closer to the draft. Monroe has the size to be a center in the NBA. He is a terrific passer. He's very skilled and when he's playing hard he can dominate. We'll continue to watch his stock closely. Be patient, Monroe fans. His stock may improve soon enough.

Interesting take, pretty spot on with what we've been saying here for a while.  Scouts like when you win, and as long as we keep winning and getting national exposure, Monroe's draft status will improve.