Greg Monroe was named Big Man of Year, adding to his impressive list of accolades for the 2009-10 season. Monroe was also a First Team All-Big East Selection, as well as Third Team All-American.
The Pete Newell Big Man of the Year Award began in 2000 and is given to the top low-post player in the country, as determined by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
(More after the Jump)
Former recipients include, courtesy of wikipedia (you guys should really check this website out):
Season
Player
School
Class
1999–00
Marcus Fizer
Iowa State
Junior
2000–01
Jason Collins
Stanford
Senior
2001–02
Drew Gooden
Kansas
Junior
2002–03
David West
Xavier
Senior
2003–04
Emeka Okafor
Connecticut
Junior
2004–05
Andrew Bogut
Utah
Sophomore
2005–06
Glen Davis
LSU
Sophomore
2006–07
Greg Oden
Ohio State
Freshman
2007–08
Michael Beasley
Kansas State
Freshman
2008–09
Blake Griffin
Oklahoma
Sophomore
A quick look at the list shows that it is in Greg Monroe's best interest to stay another year, because all underclassmen winners that went to the NBA the following year have had injury problems or failed to live up to the lofty expectations.
Interestingly, according to Draft Express, there are six other low post players that are currently projected to be drafted higher than Greg Monroe. I think this is another sign.
Finally, there has never been a two time recipient of the Pete Newell Big Man Award.
Thus, Greg Monroe should stay another year. I am pretty sure this is what the coaches had in mind when they gave him the award.