Earl Monroe
Earl Monroe
Vernon Earl Monroeis an American retired professional basketball player. He played for two teams, the Baltimore Bullets and the New York Knicks, during his career in the National Basketball Association. Both teams have retired Monroe's number. Due to his on-court success and flashy style-of-play, Monroe was given the nickname Earl "The Pearl"...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionBasketball Player
Date of Birth21 November 1944
CityPhiladelphia, PA
CountryUnited States of America
Basketball for me has always been a matter of rhythm - what you do bouncing the ball, how you bounce the ball, how you run, how you receive the ball to be in rhythm.
Just be patient. Let the game come to you. Don't rush. Be quick, but don't hurry.
I started playing baseball and soccer. Those were my sports on the streets and in school when I was growing up. I didn't even start playing basketball until I was 14,
Jamal Crawford reminds me the most of myself, the way he goes to the basket. But they need leadership.
Sport is the only profession I know of that when you retire you have to go to work.
The game of basketball is one thing, but the image of the game is another thing.
I think that any time you're able to get a guy like Carmelo Anthony to be on your team, you're going to be a step up.
Baltimore was like a small town when I got there - the Colts, the Orioles, guys like Frank Robinson, we all knew and respected each other. Everyone would cross paths at one point at Lenny Moore's Sportsman's Lounge, trading stories and having some fun.
When people ask me what I miss most about the game, it's being in the locker room and getting to know the guys. Back in those days, we had roommates. We had to talk basketball and that was a great way to understand the game itself and form those lasting relationships.
I have been involved in music since 1972 when I started managing two artists from The Jimi Hendrix Band. My family has been involved in music for years, so it's kind of in my blood. I just wish I could sing!
Guys have to look up to somebody. Everybody needs to have their own role and somebody has to be the star.
Play the game with a smile.