Owl Forward Hopes Return Will Help Steer the Course Towards Upset City Carlos Monroe goe up and over FIU center Russel Hicks It’s been a long and grueling season thus far for players, coaches, and fans alike of Florida Atlantic University’s men’s basketball team. Hit hard by off-the-court issues, and the injury bug, the Owls have limped through, and made the most of the situation; remaining competitive throughout most of thier games until late in the second period when exhaustion and fatigue has often set in. However, Owl fans received good news yesterday with the long awaited return of Pre-season All SBC Forward, and all time FAU leading rebounder, Carlos Monroe – who will take to the court tonight against Savannah State. Having been hampered by a chronic foot injury for quite some time, Monroe was sidelined for the last month and forced to sit out the majority of the conference line-up. At first there was dejection for Monroe, when learning of the doctors request to begin a rehab period of at least three weeks. But, now, he is embracing circumstances and the remainder of the season with bright spirits and open arms: “My first initial reaction was so much disappointment when I heard I was going to have to sit out with this injury. I wanted to be completely healthy in December when I was cleared to play and it just hasn’t worked out the way we’ve hoped. Everything happens for a reason, and maybe these last four or five games will be positive; not only for myself but for this team”, said Monroe today after pre-game shoot around. Although basketball is a big part of his life at present, Monroe has academics as his top priority. He is on track to graduate this December. “First and foremost, I am hoping to graduate on time,” said Monroe. But for tonight, it will be his return to the basketball court. A time to once again stand along side his friends, team mates, and basketball family. He is excited to return, and hopes to help lead the Owls into a successful post season appearance. “It means I can come back and hopefully help this team, which has been so close this year, to possibly spark a run and make some noise in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. It also means a lot to be around the guys and hanging around. Simple things that are taken for granted.”
