Marcus Monk comments on official visit to OU
The state of Arkansas’ top basketball prospect for the 2004 class, Marcus Monk from East Poinsett County High School in Lepanto, took an official visit this weekend to Oklahoma.
“The visit went pretty good. I like it up there,” Monk said. “I chilled with the coaches and thought they were really down to earth people. They told me where I would play if I came to Oklahoma and how I fit into their system. Also, I got along with the players who were really cool. They seem to like being at Oklahoma and enjoy playing for Coach Sampson.”
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While in Norman, Monk, 6-foot-6, 205-pounds, had the chance to tour the campus and athletic facilities.
“The campus was really nice. Not real big but big enough so that I could get where I needed to be,” Monk said. “They’ve built new practice facilities for the men’s team and that was nice. Also, the arena they play in is impressive.”
With offers from Arkansas, Boston College, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma, Ole Miss and interest from several other high major programs, Monk, who is rated the nation’s 8th best small forward by RivalsHoops.com, has plenty of options to choose from and indicated that despite his visit to Oklahoma he did not have an overall favorite.
“I’m really wide-open at this point. I don’t have any real favorites,” Monk said. “My main goal is on improving my overall game and the AAU season and I’m not worried about recruiting. I’m considering all the schools equally and I want to take some more official visits before I make up my mind.”
Monk is also a star on the gridiron at East Poinsett and football could factor into his decision.
“I like basketball the best so that will be my top sport in college,” Monk said. “But I could also end up on the football team if I feel that I can handle both and the school I sign with says that it’s okay.”
This weekend, Monk and his AAU team, the Arkansas Hawks, with play in the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions in North Carolina.
“I’m enjoying the AAU season even though we haven’t played in many tournaments. We were in the Kingwood Classic and the state AAU tournament which we won,” Monk said. “I’m excited about this weekend because we are playing well as a team.”
Last season Monk averaged 26 points, 14 rebounds and five assists per contest. With a 3.9 GPA and 1120 SAT score he will be a full qualifier.
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