Now That We Have Him, How Long Can We Keep Him?

Now that Greg Monroe has officially signed with the Hoyas, the question becomes how long we can keep him on the Hilltop. JTIII has done a good job keeping players in the program. Roy Hibbert, of course, is the best example of this. But often times there are other considerations that need to be factored into the equation.

Loyal reader Joshua pointed out that Greg's mother, Norma, has worked two full-time jobs since 1999. She often works 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. six days a week at the post office, then 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. five days a week as a teacher's assistant. She goes home to make sure that Greg has a meal when he returns from school or practice, and then catches a few hours of sleep before starting all over again.

I may be wrong, but this makes me doubt that Monroe will be a Hoya for four years. If his family is in financial distress and he has the opportunity to help alleviate that distress by turning pro he may very well take that opportunity the first chance he gets. Indeed, given the high character that most commentators attribute to Monroe, you would assume that he feels responsibility for his family's well being. I can't say that I could blame him for taking steps to take care of a mother who has obviously worked hard to take care of him.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see.