Patriots drop Anthony Johnson and bring in Sammy Monroe
Ed’s note: In latest developments, Rashim Wright will be replacing Johnson and not Monroe.
By reader Jayson Valencia
Anthony Johnson is out of the Philippine Patriots and in comes Sammy Monroe. The question is — what is the impact of this move with regard to the defending champions’ bid for their second consecutive championship?
So far, we’ve seen that the Patriots are good enough to win games with only one import playing on several occasions. Donald Little is proving to be an asset as far as defense for the Patriots is concerned. And likewise, the locals with the likes of Billiones — otherwise known as “the richest man in the PBA” — are stepping up. (His name literally translates to “billions”.)
However, we’ve seen several near misses and come-from-behind games in the last few matches, which indicates that the Patriots may not get away with their weaknesses any longer. Thus, the Patriots management have found it necessary to let go of Johnson, one of the most prolific scorers in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
To answer our original question on how valuable Sammy Monroe is to the Patriots, it is absolutely necessary to examine his past.
Sammy Monroe is a veteran import of the Barako Bulls team in the PBA. He is the team’s main offensive threat. I’ve seen his name float around forums as one of the best import in the PBA. But, just like Superman, Monroe has his own kryptonite. He is sometimes accused of not only having shaky chemistry with his teammates but also of being a “ball hog”. In his defence though, his stats on team assist says otherwise.
He leads the Barako in points, rebounds, steals and blocks. So, aside from his offensive prowess, the new guy is also a defensive wall. On the negative side, he also leads the stats in turnovers (probably because he handles the ball more than anybody?).
With Sammy Monroe’s addition to the Patriots roster, I think the chances of clinching a second consecutive ABL championship just went up a notch.
For those of you who wants to know more about who the new guy is, below is his profile:
Position: Forward
Height: 1′98(6’7) Weight: 215
Date of birth: 20/02/1985
Birthplace: Jacksonville, NC (USA)
Nationality: USA
Awards/Achievements
All-Region X Second Team as freshman
Led Clinton JC to 22-10 record and Conference Championship
Led team in rebounds (6.5 rpg) and blocks (1.0 bpg) junior season
Second on team in points (14.2 ppg) as junior
Scored 20 points or more six times and posted four double-doubles junior season
Selected by Sioux Falls Skyforce in 9th round (118th overall) of 2007 NBDL Draft
2009 PBL All-Playoff Team
2009 PBL Playoff Co-MVP
Sammy Monroe Acrobatic Shot vs. Aces Defender
ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
What was lacking with patriots is legitimate outside shooters even from last year. Rob is not that consistent until semis,plus the arrival of freeman ,thats why they beaten easily the KL dragons which playing zone defense all the time.
This year theres ybanez,sta.maria and cabatu,but this guys is not consistent.
Monroe is not one of the best import in PBA,but he has the skills to play in the PBA!
Why slammers beaten by slingers last sunday??? because slammers play zone defense in 4qtr,how could you apply this when slingers have 3 outside shooters (avenido,vergara,with 1 local i think.
its going to be rashim wright of jordan national team, not monroe,
Jordan NT coach put very tough training. How many players were put on injured lists.
I didnt see last fiba cup,if lassiter put good defense over this chap..
If Johnson will sideline for another 2 weeks more,theres no need to replace though.