After a standout career at Abington High School, Lucas Monroe decided to stay local and play at Penn for his college career. After an up and down freshman year for the Quakers, Monroe is looking to improve his consistency and make his mark on his Ivy League foes. In my interview with Lucas we dive into what it is like playing at Penn and looking ahead at the future of the program.
Q: "Hey Lucas, thanks for taking the time for this interview. How have you been holding up in regards to training and working out amid the virus?"
A: "I'm doing well. Right now I'm just doing my best to stay in shape and workout as much as possible. I set up a weight bench in my house so I've been lifting everyday trying to get stronger. I've also been doing a lot of ball handling in my backyard, and I found a park with a hoop still up so I've been going there to get shots in when I can."
Q: "Coming out of Abington, one of the best programs in the Philadelphia area you had a slew of offers. What was kind of your final list of schools before you wound up choosing to play at Penn?"
A: "My final list came down to Penn, Princeton, Bucknell, and Boston University."
Q: "Obviously the main draw at Penn being at Ivy League school is their academics, but they have returned to relevance the past few years for basketball as well. What made you ultimately decide on becoming a Quaker?"
A: "I just loved the way they play, everyone touches the ball, it stays moving and bodies stay moving. The guys were really welcoming when I went to visit, and the coaches showed a lot of love to me. I also wanted to stay close to home, and the campus is beautiful, the area is great and I’ve never really lived in the city which was also a draw. And obviously, The Palestra is the Mecca of college basketball."
Q: "Since taking over at Penn, coach Steve Donahue has compiled a 67-52 record, with an NCAA tournament berth, as well as an Ivy League title. Playing for a great coach like him must be a pleasure. Can you describe your experience as a player under Coach Donahue?"
A: "It’s been great, Coach Donahue has an amazing offensive mind. He’s helped me with my shot, and given me a lot of other different tools to add to my repertoire. I’ve learned so much from him already. The one thing about him is you always have to be ready, and you never know when he's going to call your name. One game you may play five minutes the next you could play twenty-five, so always be prepared."
Q: "After losing Ryan Betley and Devon Goodman this off-season, with Betley transfering to Cal, and Goodman graduating there is a void in the backcourt. How do you see yourself stepping in and picking up where they left off?"
A: "Hopefully I can pick up a lot of those minutes. Towards the end of the year I was starting in the backcourt with Dev and I learned a lot from him. I just want to build off of that and hopefully be a big catalyst running the offense next season."
Q: "In your freshman year you averaged 3.4 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game, and 0.9 assists per game in about 14 minutes of action per contest. Where do you see those numbers jumping to in your sophomore season?"
A: "I’m not so much worried about the numbers as I am just getting better, which will obviously lead to better numbers. Last year was pretty up and down. I went from playing a lot at the beginning to hardly playing and then to starting, so I’m really just focused on improving my game so I can be more consistent and be on the floor as much as possible. The stats will work themselves out."
Q: "Growing up in the Philadelphia area, playing at the Palestra is a dream of everyone. Can you describe what it is like to play there?"
A: "It’s amazing. During the year when I’m working out there sometimes people come in just to take pictures on the floor. Also NBA teams come practice there often when they're in town, just because they hear about its importance to basketball. As soon as you walk in you can just feel that it has a certain aurora to it. The history is all over the place and it’s just an amazing place to play at honestly, there's nothing like it."
Q: "Last question for you Lucas, can you describe what playing in the Ivy League is like and where you see the program going not only next year, but for the foreseeable future as well? Thanks for hopping on for an interview with the Beef Up Front!"
A: "The Ivy League is special honestly. It's the only league in the country that plays back to backs every weekend, which they are changing this upcoming season. But that makes it so special because anyone can lose to anyone, especially on that tail end of the weekend. And the Friday night game is over, win or lose you move on to the next game, and forget about the last one. It’s more mentally draining than physically. I’m excited for our future though we have a great young group, and a good class coming in. I think we can be a top team and win the tournament for the next few years."
Commentaires