Biography

Monique McLean is just too good to be true. Polite, humble, down to earth, altruistic and supremely gifted by the basketball gods, Monique made headlines first as an inspirational high school star, then as the college game’s model student-athlete, and now as an international basketball aficionado in Greece. She wears the game on her face—joyous after a teammate’s bucket, pained when her team is playing flat.

And to think, if it wasn’t for a game of horse with her brother, Monique would have been leading cheers instead of leading her Bruton High School team to the Regional Championship. According to Monique, it was a game of horse that made her determined to be able to eventually beat her brother. “I guess it was that game of horse that awakened my competitive spirit.” That same competitive spirit has helped her achieve her childhood dream of being a professional basketball player. Monique is still striving to achieve her ultimate dream of playing in the WNBA.

While in high school, Monique was a four-year letterwinner at Bruton High School … Virginia’s Player of the Year in 2005 in addition to being named the region and district Player of the Year three times … a three-time first team all-state selection … named the Panthers’ Most Valuable Player three times … averaged 27.6 points and 8.0 rebounds as a senior to lead Bruton to the Regional Championship in 2004-05 … team finished ranked No. 2 in the state … invited to the Nike All-American Camp, where she was rated in the top of her class … played AAU basketball for Boo Williams … an Honor Roll and Honor Society Student.

St John’s University Career

As A Freshman In 2005-06: Played well in a “sixth man” role, starting two games and playing in all 30 … was sixth on the team with 7.0 points per game … also contributed 2.5 rebounds per game … opened her collegiate career with 10 points and six rebounds against Boston University (Nov. 18) … had 11 points and a block at Monmouth (Nov. 23) … played a big game against ACC foe Wake Forest (Dec. 2) at the Roger and Mildred White Invitational on the campus of Northwestern … netted 15 points and had four rebounds against the Demon Deacons … followed up with a 12-point performance against the host Wildcats … had three-straight double-digit scoring games against Duke (11 points), Montana State (11 points) and Notre Dame (13 points) from Dec. 28-Jan. 4 … played 22 key minutes to help lead St. John’s to its first-ever win over the Irish … hit three 3-pointers and was 6-for-8 against Pittsburgh (Jan. 11) … got first career start at Madison Square Garden against Villanova (Jan. 21) … scored nine points and dished out four assists in 32 minutes … played in both NCAA Tournament games for St. John’s … had five points and two rebounds against California (March 19) … recorded three points and had a steal and an assist vs. Maryland (March 21).