George Washington University Athletics
GW Athletics Vault: Chris Monroe Breaks MBB Career Scoring Record
6/2/2021 2:30:00 PM | Men's Basketball, My GW: Celebrating our Stories
Feb. 9, 2021 marked the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Congress' establishment of The George Washington University's charter. GW Athletics is proud to be part of the university's bicentennial celebration, honoring the historic milestone with a variety of initiatives meant to highlight the best of the Buff and Blue, including these regular features looking into the GW Athletics Vault. To learn more about the #GW200 festivities, visit the university bicentennial page.
Chris Monroe never missed a game during his GW men's basketball career, but that streak was nearly ended by a nasty stomach bug on March 10, 2003.
Instead, Monroe took the floor in the first round of the Atlantic 10 Championship at UMass and made Buff and Blue history. The senior guard shook off the illness to score 23 points in an 85-74 victory over the Minutemen, passing Joe Holup to become the program's all-time leading scorer in the process.
"I just knew that it was my senior year," Monroe said. "I just wanted to get out on the court and help out my teammates the best way I could. It wasn't about the record. It wasn't about any of that.
"It was really just about: We were making a push to the A-10s. It was my last year. I wanted to make a strong impression and try to make some March Madness happen. So, I played the game."
Monroe missed his team's pregame film session and morning shootaround, but he was ready to go at the opening tip and turned in a performance to remember.
Against the odds, he played 38 minutes in the victory, going 5-for-9 from the field and 10-for-14 from the foul line to reach the scoring mark while also adding nine rebounds and four assists.
Throughout the final month of the season, GW fans had kept Monroe well-aware of his countdown to the milestone, though it was no sure thing that he'd get there. He tried his best to avoid such talk while leading a youthful group that included future All-Conference stalwarts Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Mike Hall and T.J. Thompson.
With 38 seconds left in that A-10 Tournament opener, Monroe stepped to the foul line one point behind Holup. "This is it, Slim," Thompson told him in the moment.
A 75.3% free throw shooter for his career, Monroe drained both to break the record and help the Buff and Blue clinch the road victory to extend their season.
"I just really needed some sleep after that game," Monroe said. "I got on the bus, and Chris Hennelly gave me a bunch of fluids. Everybody said great job. My teammates, they celebrated. They were happy for me. I was happy. I was glad it was over, and then I just knocked out."
Monroe's collegiate career would end three days later in the A-10 quarterfinals vs. nationally-ranked Xavier, closing out a four-year run in Foggy Bottom with 2,249 points.
Today, Monroe's record still stands. The GW Athletic Hall of Famer's place atop a decorated list encompassing more than 100 years of hardwood history is a testament to his scoring prowess as well as his durability and the determination to tackle any challenge thrown his way.
"I'm just happy to be recognized as one of the best that ever put on the jersey," Monroe said. "I'm happy to have my name put alongside the GW greats - the Bob Tallents, the Joe Holups, the Mike Browns. There's been a lot of talented people. It means a lot to be recognized for a craft that you gave everything to."
Chris Monroe never missed a game during his GW men's basketball career, but that streak was nearly ended by a nasty stomach bug on March 10, 2003.
Instead, Monroe took the floor in the first round of the Atlantic 10 Championship at UMass and made Buff and Blue history. The senior guard shook off the illness to score 23 points in an 85-74 victory over the Minutemen, passing Joe Holup to become the program's all-time leading scorer in the process.
"I just knew that it was my senior year," Monroe said. "I just wanted to get out on the court and help out my teammates the best way I could. It wasn't about the record. It wasn't about any of that.
"It was really just about: We were making a push to the A-10s. It was my last year. I wanted to make a strong impression and try to make some March Madness happen. So, I played the game."
Monroe missed his team's pregame film session and morning shootaround, but he was ready to go at the opening tip and turned in a performance to remember.
Against the odds, he played 38 minutes in the victory, going 5-for-9 from the field and 10-for-14 from the foul line to reach the scoring mark while also adding nine rebounds and four assists.
Throughout the final month of the season, GW fans had kept Monroe well-aware of his countdown to the milestone, though it was no sure thing that he'd get there. He tried his best to avoid such talk while leading a youthful group that included future All-Conference stalwarts Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Mike Hall and T.J. Thompson.
With 38 seconds left in that A-10 Tournament opener, Monroe stepped to the foul line one point behind Holup. "This is it, Slim," Thompson told him in the moment.
A 75.3% free throw shooter for his career, Monroe drained both to break the record and help the Buff and Blue clinch the road victory to extend their season.
"I just really needed some sleep after that game," Monroe said. "I got on the bus, and Chris Hennelly gave me a bunch of fluids. Everybody said great job. My teammates, they celebrated. They were happy for me. I was happy. I was glad it was over, and then I just knocked out."
Monroe's collegiate career would end three days later in the A-10 quarterfinals vs. nationally-ranked Xavier, closing out a four-year run in Foggy Bottom with 2,249 points.
Today, Monroe's record still stands. The GW Athletic Hall of Famer's place atop a decorated list encompassing more than 100 years of hardwood history is a testament to his scoring prowess as well as his durability and the determination to tackle any challenge thrown his way.
"I'm just happy to be recognized as one of the best that ever put on the jersey," Monroe said. "I'm happy to have my name put alongside the GW greats - the Bob Tallents, the Joe Holups, the Mike Browns. There's been a lot of talented people. It means a lot to be recognized for a craft that you gave everything to."
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