Originally Posted by
Patrick Yates
I know that the POTENTIAL to win a NC seems like a natural draw for Monroe, but there is a downside for him.
He is almost a lock for top 3 in the draft. Only a duplicate talent already in place or a glaring need for another position would drop him from No. 1, but it could happen.
So, that $ is set. Basically, GM will spend his year auditioning for endorsement dollars. He is a decent looking, well spoken, character kid. Duke is a huge media center, be it for ill or good. Lots of press at Duke.
But, on the team you just described, GM is at best the third option, with being fourth or fifth not out of the question. GH and KS would almost certainly be ahead of him, and Paulus and/or Scheyer might be as well.
Most of his points might come on rebounds or trash buckets, with a smattering of fast break and dishes off penetration. Realistically, he might score in the 10-14 ppg range, with 7-10 rpg in 20-25 mpg. This would certainly show off his upside and potential, which would get him drafted high, but it is not that dissimiliar from the numbers Brandon Wright posted, and there are few suitors throwing big money at him for endorsement.
GM will make his pro CV this summer. His year in school is all about garnering endorsement deals. You need huge, Carmelo-esque type numbers for that. I do not see GM leading Duke to the NC. He would be a key player, but not THE player.
Heck, Texas accomplished nothing as a team this year, but Durant put up huge numbers and will make a wad in endorsement $.
At a depleted, but not moribund, LSU, Monroe might put up huge numbers, because the offense would flow through him, and he would play 35+ mpg, get to the 2-3 rd of the NCAAs, and make more in endorsement $ than being the third wheel on a NC team.
Sad, but true. Let's face it, endorsers like winning. But they like highlights more.
Patrick Yates