NC State offers Kris Monroe
Raleigh St. David sophomore Kris Monroe got his first big offer Wednesday morning.
NC State coach Mark Gottfried watched Monroe score 27 points and drain four three-pointers in a 66-63 win over High Point (N.C.) Westchester Country Day on Tuesday in the first round of the North Carolina Independent Schools 2A playoffs. Monroe had recently attended the Duke at NC State basketball game, and also went to the Clemson at NCSU football contest Oct. 15.
Monroe, who had previously been offered by Charlotte and UNC Greensboro, enjoyed watching the Wolfpack on the big stage against the Blue Devils.
“It was really exciting seeing two good teams going at it,” said Monroe, 16. “The atmosphere at NC State is terrific.”
Monroe said he followed pro basketball more than college hoops, and is a big Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony fan. Now that his recruitment is starting to take off, he’ll be watching college games more. Monroe said he is also getting interest from Virginia, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, East Carolina and Kansas.
“I really like Coach Gottfried. He’s a good guy,” Monroe said. “I didn’t know he was coming. I saw him during the game, but wasn’t paying too much attention. I just wanted to win.”
The 6-foot-7, 205-pounder is originally from Creedmoor, N.C., and attended South Granville High last year. He reclassified to the class of 2018 when he made the move to St. David’s. He also has switched from playing with Team United to joining Team Loaded for this spring and summer.
“I’ve really worked on my jumper a lot, and my dad has helped me with it since I was little,” Monroe said. “That is one thing I’ve kept in my game. I want to show that I can play with anybody in the country and I can help a team.
“It’s different at St. David’s, but I love it here. They’ve accepted me, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I just want to make sure my mother doesn’t have to pay for college.”
St. David’s (21-3) advanced to play Asheville (N.C.) Christian Academy in the quarterfinals at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, at North Raleigh Christian Academy. The semifinals will be held this Friday at North Raleigh Christian Academy, with the title game scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday at Raleigh Ravenscroft.
“I didn’t want to let my team down, and I did everything I could to win,” Monroe said. "I think we are going all the way and that we can play with anybody. People have slept on us all season. We've beaten who we've played."