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Greg Monroe News & Rumors

Pistons center Greg Monroe's snub by Olympic prep team raises ire
May 24
Detroit Free Press
 
"There was genuine anger in the Pistons front office this week when USA Basketball released the roster for the USA Select Team that will help the Olympic team prepare for the Summer Games in London. They noticed the absence of Pistons second-year center Greg Monroe from the 13 promising players selected. A few weeks ago Monroe said he hoped that he would be selected. Instead of Monroe, USA Basketball decided to go with Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, Jazz power forward Derrick Favors, Spurs power forward DaJuan Blair, Bulls power forward Taj Gibson and Magic shooter Ryan Anderson as the front-court options when they gather the first week of July to begin preparing the main squad to defend"
Greg Monroe's mother raised her son the right way -- and now she is reaping the rewards
May 13
Detroit Free Press
 
"Norma Monroe is driving home from her job as a teacher's aide at Boudreaux Elementary in Terrytown, La., a suburb of New Orleans, when she is asked: "Can you recall a favorite Mother's Day gift from your son?" Her son just happens to be Pistons center Greg Monroe. Today will mark the second Mother's Day of Monroe's NBA career, so we wonder what elaborate gifts a promising pro basketball player could provide. A new ride, perhaps? Maybe even a brand-new house? But Norma goes back to a time shortly before the Pistons used the No. 7 pick of the 2010 draft on Greg, a Georgetown product. It was just over a month before draft night when Monroe handed his mother a simple card with a strong"
Pistons' forward Greg Monroe's mom has lofty goals for his foundation
May 7
Detroit Free Press
 
"Friday was the deadline for media members to vote for the annual J. Walter Kennedy Award, named for the NBA's second commissioner who served from 1963 to 1975. The nominees for the award -- which is given to a player, coach or trainer who shows outstanding service to the community -- are Pau Gasol, Josh Smith, Jason Terry and JJ Reddick. If Pistons center Greg Monroe and his mother, Norma, have their way, they will one day be nominated for the award."
Pistons' Greg Monroe bids for honor as NBA's most improved player
April 25
Detroit Free Press
 
"Greg Monroe is trying to make a last-minute push with voters as the season winds down. Monroe's 18-point, 12-rebound night in Monday's loss at Indiana gave him 30 double-doubles this season. He's the first Piston to accomplish that feat since Ben Wallace during the NBA championship season of 2003-04. Although Monroe missed three key free throws down the stretch in the 103-97 loss and finished with five turnovers, his performance came one night after 17 rebounds in a 76-73 victory over Toronto at the Palace. His efforts also serve as late-season reminders to media members who vote on the NBA's Most Improved Player Award."
Pistons' Greg Monroe starting to feel strain of extra minutes
April 22
Detroit Free Press
 
"Fans of Greg Monroe know the numbers. The Pistons' second-year center has increased his scoring average from 9.4 to 15.6 points per game. The rebound numbers have gone from 7.5 to 9.6. But the number that probably has affected Monroe's recent play is 3.7 -- the increase in his minutes per game over last season. And when you factor in the lockout-induced compressed schedule that has three games remaining with the Pistons playing those games on consecutive nights, it's a safe bet that the 21-year-old who is still getting accustomed to the rigors of the NBA is feeling a little fatigued."
Expect more looks for Pistons' Greg Monroe after blowout losses
April 11
Detroit Free Press
 
"After two consecutive blowout losses in sunny Florida, the Pistons got a day off Tuesday. But coach Lawrence Frank probably spent the day trying to devise ways to bounce back. The Pistons are 17-16 since a 4-20 start but got dominated by the Heat and Magic by a combined 53 points over the last two games. One problem is Greg Monroe's lack of involvement in the offense. When the Pistons face the hapless Bobcats on Thursday in Charlotte, it's a safe bet Monroe will get more than the seven shots he is averaging over the last two games."
Pistons 124, Kings 112: High-scoring night for Rodney Stuckey, Greg Monroe
March 15
Detroit Free Press
 
"Pistons coach Lawrence Frank expected a riled up opponent in the Sacramento Kings on Monday night. Sacramento had endured a 26-point home loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday and sought revenge after the Pistons' close victory at the Palace nearly a month ago. Sure enough, they were energetic from the opening tip through the second quarter, when they rolled to a 16-point lead. But these are the Kings, whose defense is among the worst in the league. And that defense was in a giving mood. The main beneficiary was Rodney Stuckey."
Rodney Stuckey scores 35, Greg Monroe 32 in Pistons' win over Kings
March 15
Detroit News
 
"The Sacramento Kings felt like they gave away their last game against the Pistons, a high-scoring overtime affair. This time around, the Pistons took it from them, winning 124-112 at Power Balance Pavilion for their fourth road win of the season, overcoming a 16-point deficit. Rodney Stuckey had another stellar outing, with 35 points (one away from his season high), six assists and five rebounds in the Pistons' 12th win in the last 19 games. Tyreke Evans led the Kings (14-29) with 23 points. Stuckey, who's averaging 25.8 points, 5.8 assists and 3.4 rebounds on 60 percent shooting in his last five games, continued that trend and added something else—a 3-point shot, making four of six."
Greg Monroe, Brandon Knight look like future Pistons building blocks
February 24
Detroit Free Press
 
"Joe Dumars paused for a moment before answering the question. Last week, he was sitting at his customary table where he watches Pistons coach Lawrence Frank run the team through its practices when he was asked: "Should Greg Monroe have been an All-Star this season?" After taking that moment to consider, one would think the Pistons president of basketball operations would have enthusiastically answered in the affirmative for his second-year center."
Calm, steady Greg Monroe ready to 'take over' Pistons, Ben Wallace says
February 24
Detroit News
 
"Walk into the Pistons locker room on a given day, and you're likely to hear some sarcastic, yet harmless, comment come from one corner. No, it's not subtle-as-a-sledgehammer Tayshaun Prince or Ben Wallace. It's second-year center Greg Monroe. Judging by his improved play and quiet nature, Monroe is hardly the person many would expect to unleash a funny remark, but the player Wallace and close friends call a "comedian" has more than one side to him."
Pistons GM wants more All-Star invites for Brandon Knight, Greg Monroe
February 22
Detroit Free Press
 
"It appears the past two drafts have yielded two building blocks for the Pistons' rebuilding efforts. President of basketball operations Joe Dumars couldn't be more pleased. Dumars was asked last week about his thoughts on second-year center Greg Monroe and rookie point guard Brandon Knight being selected to participate in the NBA All-Star Rising Stars Challenge on Friday night as part of the NBA's All-Star weekend in Orlando. Both were picked to play for Shaquille O'Neal's team against Charles Barkley's team in the game with the league's brightest rookies and sophomores."
Greg Monroe, Pistons hold off Nets for third straight win
February 9
Detroit News
 
"Lawrence Frank routinely calls the most crucial point of games — "The moment of truth." After Wednesday's victory over the Nets, Frank might call it "baby steps" as the Pistons withstood a late charge, winning their season-high third straight game, 99-92 at the Prudential Center. It was capped off by perhaps the most emphatic play of Greg Monroe's career. With the Pistons (7-20) nursing a six-point lead and the shot clock running down, Monroe drove on Kris Humphries, dunking on him and Keith Bogans. It was followed by a flex and a stare from the usually even-keeled Monroe, who scored again on the next possession and finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds and four assists."
Pistons Brandon Knight, Greg Monroe to play in rookie-sophomore All-Star game
February 9
Detroit News
 
"The Pistons' last two first-round draft picks will represent the team on the All-Star weekend stage. Greg Monroe and Brandon Knight have been named to the NBA's rookie-sophomore game, which will be played in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 24. Monroe, also a candidate to be an All-Star reserve, is averaging team-highs in points (16.3 ppg) and rebounds (9.9 rpg) in 32.9 minutes per game. Knight, a rookie, is averaging 12.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 32.0 minutes."
Greg Monroe anticipates All-Star Game snub
February 7
Detroit News
 
"The All-Star reserves will be announced soon, but Pistons center Greg Monroe doesn't expect to receive a phone call. Monroe's numbers certainly make him worthy: He's fifth in the East in rebounding (9.9). He's 15th in the East in scoring (16.3). He's fifth in the East in shooting percentage (.518). But the Pistons 6-20 record (third-worst in the East) is Monroe's biggest hindrance. "I don't really think about it," Monroe said. "There's some guys on some good teams that are having good years. Maybe a year or two from now but right now I want to help my team get better, get some wins before the All-Star break.""
Pistons' Greg Monroe showing maturity
January 30
Detroit News
 
"Pistons center Greg Monroe stood in front of his locker after a blowout loss to Oklahoma City last week and did something that hasn't been seen in recent memory. It's a concept so rare, so foreign you wonder where it's been. He blamed himself. He missed easy shots early on, which triggered the Thunder's dangerous fast break and was a small factor in the Pistons' 20-point loss. "I take a lot of the blame," Monroe said. "I missed a lot of easy buckets around the rim. Myself and the team, we have to come out with a little more fire early.""
Pistons' Greg Monroe trying to cut down on fouls
January 22
Detroit Free Press
 
"Even though the production has dropped a bit for Pistons center Greg Monroe, coach Lawrence Frank isn't worried. Monroe, who leads the Pistons in scoring and rebounding, went from a bit of an offensive tear to suddenly quieter performances. He went from averaging 25.3 points against Milwaukee, Charlotte and Golden State to averaging 9.25 points against Houston, Minnesota, Memphis and Portland. Monroe also has gotten into early foul trouble lately, and Frank said better positioning could help negate that. In Saturday's 94-91 over the Trail Blazers at the Palace, Monroe had 10 points, eight rebounds and four fouls, the fourth coming late in the game."
Greg Monroe goes cold in Pistons loss
January 18
Detroit News
 
"Beating a hot team on the road hasn't been a Pistons hallmark in recent memory. Doing it without virtually any contribution from Greg Monroe makes it even a tougher task. Monroe went scoreless until the fourth quarter as the Pistons didn't have enough offense to catch up to the Rockets, 97-80 Tuesday night at the Toyota Center. Tayshaun Prince led the Pistons with 20 points, his second straight 20-point outing."
Greg Monroe's hard work, dedication is beginning to pay off for Pistons
January 16
Detroit Free Press
 
"Greg Monroe came to the practice facility Saturday and worked out on his own. He also was at the practice facility Sunday morning before the game at the Palace against Golden State. His dedication to his craft is the reason he has improved. During the early months of his rookie season, Monroe was a spectator, trying to find his way in a murky frontcourt under a struggling team and coach (John Kuester)."
Brandon Knight, Greg Monroe help Pistons get first road win
January 15
Detroit News
 
"A quiet arena. It was a new experience for this year's Pistons when they played the Charlotte Bobcats Friday night. They jumped on the Bobcats early, then ran away to their first road victory, 98-81 at a hushed Time Warner Cable Arena. One night after giving Lawrence Frank hope a consistent 48-minute performance was indeed possible, the Pistons ended their six-game losing streak. The Pistons (3-9) had to sense the Bobcats (2-10) were a wounded bunch coming off a 30-point loss to the Hawks, especially after Bobcats coach Paul Silas questioned his team's desire."
Pistons center Greg Monroe stays sharp playing pickup games
September 20
Detroit Free Press
 
"Pistons big man Greg Monroe played against NBA stars John Wall, Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins, among others, in a charity pickup game Saturday night in Washington. The game was billed as the "Clash of the Superstars" game at Calvin Coolidge High School. The team with Wall, Durant and Cousins won, 144-128. Wall scored 40 points. Other players on the losing team with Monroe included Timberwolves forward Michael Beasley, Celtics forward Jeff Green and Bobcats guard Kemba Walker. About 200 spectators watched the glorified scrimmage, one of numerous games players have organized to reach out to fans and keep their skills sharp while awaiting the union and league to reach a new collective"
Hoops bloggers like Pistons' Greg Monroe for next season
July 7
Detroit Free Press
 
"Good news, Pistons fans: One of your players is garnering national attention. Not since the days of the six-straight Eastern Conference finals appearances -- which, after the last two seasons, seem so long ago -- have the Pistons really moved the needle on a league-wide scale. That is, until Detroit selected Kentucky guard Brandon Knight in the last month's draft. And now, one player with a season under his belt is getting talked up as a candidate for a breakout year. Five basketball scribes tackled five questions on ESPN.com, looking ahead to next season (if there is a next season). One of the question was "Which rookie is ready to rise as a sophomore?""
Greg Monroe: New teammate from abroad would be fun
June 23
Detroit Free Press
 
"Will Greg Monroe get help in the Pistons' frontcourt tonight? Could there be a certain foreign flavor with the team's No. 8 overall pick in the NBA draft? Lithuanian Jonas Valanciunas, Czech Jan Vesely and Congolese big man Bismack Biyombo are strong first-round candidates for the Pistons. "It would probably be fun having someone from overseas, just getting a chance to see someone else's lifestyle," Monroe told Vince Ellis of the Free Press at a charity event Tuesday. "Just talking to Jonas (Jerebko), I've learned about how things are in Sweden. Having someone else from over there, other than being a good teammate, learning about a different lifestyle, would be nice.""
Pistons hit jackpot with Greg Monroe
May 15
Detroit Free Press
 columnist Michael Rosenberg
"Greg Monroe will represent the Pistons at the NBA lottery this week, which is ironic for two reasons. If the rest of the Pistons had shown as much professionalism as Monroe did, the team wouldn't be in the lottery. And this may be the first time all year they are actually calling Monroe's number. "I probably could count them on my hand, the plays that were called for me throughout the year," Monroe said Friday. Monroe laughed as he said it, and I doubt he is bitter about John Kuester's offensive choices. But it was ridiculous. Monroe was arguably the Pistons' best player for the last half of the season. He had 21 double-doubles in his last 48 games, and averaged 13.7 points and 10 rebounds"
Pistons' Greg Monroe not bitter about all-rookie voting
May 12
Detroit News
 
"Although Greg Monroe was a double-double machine for the latter part of this season, it wasn't enough to earn him NBA all-rookie first-team honors. Monroe just missed out of being the first Pistons rookie since Grant Hill to achieve that honor, finishing behind Blake Griffin, John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Landry Fields and Gary Neal in the rookie of the year voting. The top five make all-rookie first-team. "I guarantee, every rookie wanted to be rookie of the year," Monroe said Wednesday on a conference call. "But that wasn't possible, of course. I would have loved to be on the first team, but to get on the second team, I don't say it was a disappointment or that I was snubbed. It's just"
Greg Monroe will represent Pistons at NBA draft lottery
May 6
Detroit Free Press
 
"Greg Monroe will represent the Detroit Pistons during the NBA draft lottery May 17 in Secaucus, N.J. The power forward averaged 9.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game as a rookie this season. He finished sixth in rookie-of-the-year voting. The Pistons have a 59.9% chance of landing the No. 7 pick. They have a 23.2% chance for the eighth pick, a 4.3% chance for the first pick, 4.9% for the second and 5.8% for the third. They also could pick ninth or 10th, but the chances are very small. They can pick no lower than 10th. During last year's lottery, the Pistons landed the No. 7 pick, which they used toMonroe out of Georgetown. Pistons vice president of basketball operations Scott Perry"
Greg Monroe finishes sixth in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting
May 5
Detroit News
 
"Greg Monroe blossomed into arguably the Pistons' most consistent player as the season ended. However, it wasn't enough to earn him a top-five finish in Rookie of the Year voting. As expected, Los Angeles Clippers rookie Blake Griffin won the award unanimously, while Washington guard John Wall finished second (295 votes). Sacramento forward DeMarcus Cousins finished third (81), while New York guard Landry Fields finished fourth (62) and San Antonio guard Gary Neal finished fifth (19). Monroe finished sixth with 15 votes. Even though he started off the season slowly, he averaged 13.7 points and 10 rebounds on 58 percent shooting from the field. For the season, he averaged 9.4 points and"
Greg Monroe's composure fresh in face of chaos
March 24
Detroit News
 
"During a frenetic scene in Atlanta last weekend, Chris Wilcox and Detroit coach John Kuester were arguing with referees after Wilcox was assessed a technical. Rookie Greg Monroe stood by, observing, not saying a word. Then, as Kuester headed toward midcourt to get more involved, Monroe motioned to him. "Coach, let it go," he said. Kuester stood shocked for a second, almost frozen. But he walked back to the bench, in awe of the rookie's poise. "It was interesting because I said, 'What did you say?'" Kuester said. "And he said, 'Let it go.' I said, 'All right, I will.'" In such a crazy season, Monroe is one player who chose to remain above the fray. It would be easy for a rookie to"
Greg Monroe focuses on his game, not on fouls
March 22
Detroit Free Press
 
"Pistons forward Chris Wilcox had just received a technical foul in Sunday's loss against the Hawks, and coach John Kuester wanted an explanation. He was motioning to the officials when rookie Greg Monroe walked over to Kuester and said: "Let it go." Monroe's nightly double-doubles are a bright spot during a dismal season. But the poise and maturity he is showing proves he has the makings of a team leader. The Pistons weren't happy about the officiating in the 104-96 loss. Tracy McGrady also received a technical. Kuester and players had beefs all night."
Mom's delicious gifts provide Greg Monroe with a taste of home
February 21
Detroit Free Press
 
"Whenever a family member visits Greg Monroe, his mother always sends a taste of New Orleans. On a recent visit by his uncle, Norman Dixon Jr., and young cousin, Norman Dixon III, the care package of choice was a genuine king cake, the sugary sweet dessert associated with Mardi Gras that usually houses a trinket of a baby representing Jesus Christ. There has been a steady stream of relatives all season, so Norma Monroe hasn't lacked for opportunities to send something to her son. Monroe just laughed when asked about his family Friday before the shootaround to prepare for the rookie-sophomore game, which his rookie team won. "It's really my mother. She tries to bring something from home"
Greg Monroe rates himself a 'C,' but Joe Dumars sees progress
February 20
Detroit Free Press
 
"The question initially stumped Greg Monroe. Before the Pistons rookie stepped on the floor at the downtown Convention Center Friday morning with the rest of his teammates for that night's rookie-sophomore game, he was asked to grade the first 55 games of his NBA career. After little consideration, he finally had an answer. "I don't know. That's a good question. I have improved, and that's something I'm happy about," Monroe said. "I still have a lot of room for improvement, so I'd say, C. I'd give myself a C." There are many within the organization who would call Monroe a tough grader since Monroe's emergence over the past month and a half has been one of the few bright spots in the team's"
Greg Monroe's minutes are climbing
February 6
Detroit Free Press
 
"With Jason Maxiell out with a sore back and Chris Wilcox weakened by some kind of bug, Pistons coach John Kuester had to lean on rookie big man Greg Monroe against the Nets on Friday night. The 6-foot-11, 250-pounder delivered with 11 rebounds and a career-high 20 points. He also got the better of veteran center Brook Lopez in the Pistons' 92-82 victory that snapped a four-game losing streak. The night capped a week in which Monroe was selected to participate in the annual rookie-sophomore All-Star Game this month during All-Star weekend in Los Angeles. The Nets got a firsthand look at Monroe. He showed aggressiveness in chasing down rebounds. Lopez scored 16 points, but grabbed only four"
John Kuester: Greg Monroe has Zach Randolph-like tendencies
February 3
Detroit Free Press
 
"The topic turned to Pistons rookie center Greg Monroe on Wednesday night. That was understandable, since Monroe was picked Tuesday to represent the Pistons in the rookie-sophomore game on Feb. 18 during All-Star weekend in Los Angeles. Pistons coach John Kuester was asked for a comparison, and a certain Memphis Grizzlies standout and former Spartan came to mind. "He sort of reminds you of Zach Randolph in regards to they're different players in certain ways," Kuester said before Wednesday's game against the Bobcats at the Palace. "But one of the things I've always admired about Zach is he's not a high flyer, but he is someone who plays and pursues the basketball. "That's one of the things"
Pistons' Greg Monroe makes All-Star rookie team
February 2
Detroit Free Press
 
"Detroit Pistons center Greg Monroe was named to the rookie team today for the Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam that pits first-year players vs. second-year players. The game will be played at 9 p.m. Feb. 18 in Los Angeles and televised by TNT. Other members of the rookie team are Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe, Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, Nets forward Derrick Favors, Knicks guard Landry Fields, Clippers forward Blake Griffin, Timberwolves guard Wesley Johnson, Spurs guard Gary Neal and Wizards guard John Wall."
Pistons youngsters thrive in increased role
January 26
Detroit News
 
"Both have experienced the highs of playing well and lows of not leaving the bench, but Austin Daye and Greg Monroe have been more than unsung heroes during the Pistons' recent surge. The Pistons' last two first-round draft picks have made big plays at crucial times of the last seven games, helping the Pistons go 5-2 in that stretch. This isn't simply a case of the vets carrying the load; the young guys have seized their opportunities. What's being lost in all the Richard Hamilton drama of the past couple weeks is how crucial Monroe and Daye, along with injured Jonas Jerebko, are to the Pistons future. If the Pistons are able to parlay this streak of consistency to the playoffs, it'll be"
Pistons' Greg Monroe 2-0 in battles vs. fellow rookie DeMarcus Cousins
January 16
Detroit Free Press
 
"It was the second and final meeting of the year between rookie big men DeMarcus Cousins, the fifth pick in the NBA draft who was coveted by the Pistons, and Greg Monroe, Detroit's eventual pick with the seventh selection. Monroe has a two-game lead on his fellow rookie after the Pistons rallied in the second half Saturday for a 110-106 victory at the Palace. Detroit (14-26) beat Sacramento, 100-94, on Nov. 14. "We won both times; it's definitely a good feeling," said Monroe, who started and finished with 11 points and seven rebounds. "We compete; we know each other real well. We're very competitive. I'm pretty sure he'd rather be on the other side of this instead of being 0-2 against us.""
Monroe's double-double streak proof of progress
January 15
Detroit Free Press
 
"Greg Monroe is a bright spot for the Pistons during their trying season.

He took a streak of four straight double-doubles into Friday night's game against the Raptors, and while the streak was snapped, he was able to contribute 12 points and seven rebounds in a 101-95 victory over the Raptors. And the rookie's growing comfort level and development were obvious when he contributed a key steal down the stretch as the Pistons (13-26) held off a rally. Monroe credits familiarity with the league as being the key to his recent success. Monroe said he is starting to see teams for the second time and is using his powers of recollection to adjust accordingly."

Pistons rookie Greg Monroe gets fourth straight double-double
January 13
Detroit Free Press
 
"Pistons forward Greg Monroe notched his fourth consecutive double-double Wednesday night, but the rookie also fouled out in a 107-99 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies at the Palace. Monroe finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds in 30:17. He had seven points and nine rebounds in 14:44 in the first half and likely would have had more minutes had he not picked up two fouls. Monroe got his fourth foul with 7:46 left in the third quarter, and as he walked to the bench, coach John Kuester told him he was too important to be going out of the game with foul trouble. Ben Wallace missed Wednesday's game with a left ankle injury, giving rookie Monroe another chance to show what he can do. Monroe"
Pistons center Greg Monroe reflects on lessons learned as rookie
January 10
Detroit Free Press
 
"Rookie Greg Monroe has learned so much since being drafted by the Pistons. "I can't narrow it down to one or two things -- there are so many things I've learned," said the 6-foot-11 forward/center. "Playing hard consistently is a big thing, and as a team coming out after halftime and being consistent. I've learned so much. This is my first year, and it's such a big learning experience that I can't point out one or two things right now." Eventually he'll become a starter, and his teammates and coaching staff hope next month he'll be named to the rookie team that will play the NBA's second-year players at All-Star weekend in the rookie/sophomore game. "That was a goal of mine," said Monroe."
Pistons' Greg Monroe shows potential, starts against Hawks
December 15
Detroit Free Press
 
"Most fans remember how Rockets forward Luis Scola tortured the Pistons for 35 points and 12 rebounds last week. He pretty much had his way with the Pistons' front line, but one sequence showed the potential of first-round pick Greg Monroe. Scola caught the ball in the post and tried to back down Monroe. But Monroe swatted at the ball, forcing Scola to retreat to gain control of his dribble. Scola wound up passing as Monroe stopped the initial thrust. So it wasn't surprising Tuesday night when Pistons coach John Kuester gave Monroe the starting nod against the Hawks before the Pistons snapped a four-game losing streak with a 103-80 victory. Monroe finished with five points and seven"
Greg Monroe treats his family, kids from his New Orleans high school to a suite
December 8
Detroit Free Press
 
"Greg Monroe just cut right to the chase for his homecoming tonight at New Orleans. The Pistons rookie center didn't worry about buying individual tickets for the game against the Hornets. He bought a suite for his immediate family to watch the game. In addition to the suite crowd, there will be a group of kids from Helen Cox High in nearby Harvey where Monroe was once considered the No. 1 high school senior in the country. Needless to say, Monroe is looking forward to going home. "These are people I've been playing in front of my whole life," Monroe said after the Tuesday morning shoot-around before the game against the Rockets. "I'm used to playing in front of them. "I've played in that"
Pistons rookie fares well in first matchup with Howard
December 2
Detroit Free Press
 
"Let's not get carried away and say Pistons rookie Greg Monroe held his own with Magic star Dwight Howard. But when matched up with the NBA's best center Wednesday night during the Pistons' 90-79 loss, the 6-foot-11 Monroe wasn't overwhelmed and looked like he belonged. In fact, coach John Kuester left Monroe on the floor for the entire fourth quarter because he was comfortable with the matchup. "He played with such great confidence," Kuester said. "Greg Monroe is going to be an outstanding basketball player in this league. "As time goes on, he's going to gain more and more experience. He proved himself again tonight." Monroe helped hold Howard to nine points and stripped Howard in the"
Greg Monroe doing the small things, but rookie season off to rocky start
November 18
Michigan Live
 
"When Greg Monroe racked up a pair of "DNP-Coach's Decision" to start the season, there was some grumbling. How had the lottery pick out of Georgetown not been able to crack the rotation for a team that won 27 games the year before? Well, there were a couple of reasons. Most notably Monroe's struggles with defense and energy. The defensive concerns were clear by the number of fouls he was racking up in limited action during the preseason. Criticisms of his energy could be overheard from the sideline. Monroe eventually made his debut, a seven-minute stint against the Chicago Bulls in the third game of the season. Much like in the preseason, Monroe struggled with fouls, picking up three"
Top pick Monroe makes his debut, scores
November 1
Detroit Free Press
 
"There weren't many smiles in the Pistons' locker room Saturday night after the team blew a 21-point lead against the Bulls, but Greg Monroe couldn't help but crack a smile at one question. The first-round pick was asked whether he had ever come off the bench. He grinned and said that had never happened. Monroe also could smile because finally -- after two DNPs-coach's decision to start his career -- coach John Kuester called his number in the second quarter of the 101-91 loss. He scored the first basket of his career on a put-back after an offensive rebound. He didn't play in the second half and finished with two points on 1-for-1 shooting in 7 minutes. He had three rebounds and three"
Small Talk: Pistons rookie Greg Monroe learns about Pistons and Detroit
November 1
Detroit News
 
"Greg Monroe, 20, is like any young guy coming out of college with a new job. He is trying to feel his way around the office and get his feet wet. But his workplace isn't typical. He makes more than most rookie workers because the Detroit Pistons used the seventh pick in the 2010 NBA Draft tohim. He is in new surroundings in a strange new league that has yet to accept him. Monroe stands 6-foot-11 and is a big body the Pistons need. He grew up in tiny Harvey, La. He is a quiet guy but plays a big game of rebounding and passing. He was a McDonald's All-American his senior season at Helen Cox High School (21 points and 14 rebounds) and played two seasons at Georgetown University. He was"
You have to wonder if rookie Greg Monroe will measure up
October 28
Detroit Free Press
 
"As usual when flying out of the Big Apple, the flight is delayed. So I figured now would be a good time to check in with the biggest development from Wednesday night. As you know, the Pistons dropped the season opener to the Nets by blowing a seven-point lead in the last 1:40 to fall, 101-98. Tough loss, but not exactly unexpected since it was a road game and the Nets were energized by playing the first game at the Prudential. And they will be much improved under first-year coach Avery Johnson. But with the Pistons struggling with the size of Brook Lopez and Derrick Favors for much of the evening, the team's biggest player didn't touch the floor."
Pistons rookie Greg Monroe contributes 15 points
October 12
Detroit Free Press
 
"It was midway through the third quarter of Monday night's exhibition game against the Atlanta Hawks when Pistons rookie power forward Greg Monroe found himself open in the paint. He decided to get closer before shooting, so he took one dribble and rose for a short left-handed jumper. Etan Thomas met Monroe and swatted the shot emphatically. If that or any other sequence in which Monroe doesn't come through bothers him, you would never know it, because the expression on his face never changes. And that, considering the ebb and flow of a rookie season, is probably a good thing. There was a lot more flow than ebb to Monroe's game as the Pistons moved to 2-1 in the exhibition season with a"
Pistons rookie Greg Monroe fitting in fast on court and around town
September 30
Detroit News
 
"All it took was one tweet from Pistons rookie Greg Monroe to convince Metro Detroiters he's one of them. "The lions definitely got robbed!," he tweeted at @G_Monroe_10 on Sept. 12 after the Lions' controversial 19-14 loss to the Bears. "First it was the tigers pitcher now calvin johnson!" Monroe was reacting to an official's call that Johnson's apparent catch for a touchdown was ruled incomplete. And, he didn't hesitate to compare the play to umpire Jim Joyce's blown call that cost Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game. "That is not surprising at all," said John Thompson III, Monroe's coach at Georgetown. "With Greg, if he's with you, he's with you. If he's for you, he's for"
Pistons' Greg Monroe could be a top rookie
September 12
Detroit Free Press
 
"Pistons big man Greg Monroe is among the five favorites to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award, according to Royce Young of CBSSports.com. The other four serious contenders are top pick John Wall of the Wizards, No. 2 pick Evan Turner of the 76ers, No. 5 pick DeMarcus Cousins of the Kings and 2009 top pick Blake Griffin of the Clippers. Griffin missed all of last season with a knee injury."
Pistons' Greg Monroe slowly getting healthy following toe surgery
September 2
NBA.com
 (scroll down)
"When the NBA schedule comes out, all players look to see when games fall that take them home. For Tayshaun Prince, it's the two trips to Los Angeles every year to play the Clippers and Lakers. For Rip Hamilton, it's going back to Philadelphia near his beloved Coatesville. For Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, it's New York. And for No. 1 pick Greg Monroe, it's New Orleans, where he spent the first 18 years of his life before going away to college at Georgetown. His mother, Norma, and sister, Brittany, still live in the East Bank home in Jefferson Parish that they had to abandon for a month in 2005 while they waited for both the post-Katrina flooding and chaos to ebb. There'll be a Monroe"