College Basketball

Clark High Class of 2019 Grad and Las Vegas Native Derrick Monroe Proves Dreams Don’t Die—They Just Take Time

Posted by Kim Muhammad on

We often talk about being “born and raised” in a place, like it’s a blueprint for who you’re destined to be. Some agree with that, some don’t—but that’s a conversation for another day.

Today, we focus on a young man named Derrick Monroe, a 2019 graduate of Clark High School in Las Vegas. If the name doesn’t ring a bell right away, you’re not alone. He wasn’t a star player during his high school years. He didn’t dominate headlines or light up the scoreboard. In fact, for most of his four-year varsity run at Clark, Derrick barely saw the floor.

He was on a stacked team—loaded with talent. Minutes were hard to come by. Most of his time was spent on the bench. But Derrick wasn’t bitter. He never complained. He showed up, put the team first, and played his role with character, class, and quiet confidence. In a basketball culture that often rewards ego, Derrick carried humility. And that’s the kind of teammate coaches dream about.

What many didn’t see back then was the foundation being laid. The patience. The persistence. The internal fire that never stopped burning—even when the outside world wasn’t watching.

Derrick Monroe was born and raised in Las Vegas. His roots run deep. His mother, Kamara, served as as a track coach at Clark before eventually taking over the same role at Legacy High School. His father, Derrick Sr., is known for being a steady and supportive presence. By all accounts, this is a close-knit family. A family that understands the value of discipline, education, and faith. The kind of family that produces dreamers—and backs those dreams with work.

After high school, Derrick didn’t chase a basketball scholarship. He left Las Vegas and headed to University Reno—not to hoop, but to pursue an education. Life took its course. Then one day, a call came that would shift everything. Rod Hill, a respected figure in the Las Vegas basketball community, reached out. Rod has helped countless young people find their way into college programs across the country—often behind the scenes, quietly connecting dots for those who still had hope left in their hearts.

Rod told Derrick about Feather River College in California—a small JUCO looking for players. It wasn’t Duke or UCLA, but it was an opportunity. And for someone like Derrick, that’s all he ever needed.

He jumped at the chance.

Derrick Monroe

Once he arrived at Feather River, everything changed. The body transformed. The game evolved. The dream reignited. He trained relentlessly, worked on every part of his craft, and matured into a serious player. All those years of waiting, watching, and learning at Clark? They paid off.

Over two seasons, Derrick averaged 17 points per game and became a dominant force at the junior college level. He earned First Team All-State honors in California and helped lead his team to the state JUCO tournament. His numbers spoke volumes, but so did his presence. He had grown—not just as a player, but as a leader. And he did it with the same humility and character he showed back in high school.

Derrick also earned his associate’s degree while at Feather River. He took care of his business off the court just as seriously as he did on it.

But then came another roadblock: eligibility. His time at the JUCO level was up, and NCAA rules wouldn’t grant him extra time. It seemed like his college basketball journey might be over.

But once again, a door opened.

His Head Coach helped him connect with a program up north—Douglas College in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. They saw Derrick’s value. They saw what he had become. And they offered him another chance to play the game he loves, while continuing to build his education and experience.

Now, a kid who once rode the bench at Clark High is playing college basketball internationally. Not only did he defy the odds—he changed the narrative. Derrick Monroe is living proof that dreams don’t die just because they don’t happen on your timeline.

And this story isn’t over.

Derrick is now being talked about as a future overseas professional. He’s already shown that he can thrive under pressure, perform at a high level, and carry himself with the kind of work ethic and integrity that international clubs look for.

But what separates Derrick Monroe from so many others is this: he never gave up on himself. He didn’t let lack of minutes define his worth. He didn’t let disappointment take away his love for the game. When the opportunities came—no matter how small—he grabbed them with both hands and never looked back.

This is a story of perseverance. A story of believing in your own path even when it’s quiet, even when nobody else sees it. A story for every young athlete who’s ever sat at the end of the bench, wondering if their time will ever come.

Derrick Monroe’s time came because he stayed ready. He stayed humble. He stayed working.

And now, the world is finally starting to see what he always knew: he was built for this.

🎯 Player Overview

Name: Derrick Monroe
Position: Forward (Guard/Forward at Douglas)
Height: 6’4″
Weight: Not officially listed, but described as “strong, physical” and “transformed his body”
Background: From Clark High School (Las Vegas). Two years at Feather River College (Cal‑JUCO), now at Douglas College in Vancouver bvmsports.com+9douglascollegeroyals.ca+9athletics.frc.edu+9.

📊 Statistical Snapshot (Feather River College – 2024‑25)

⚙️ Strengths Breakdown

1. Size & Physique

  • At 6’4″, physically strong and rim‑protective; offers legitimate size inside.
  • Noted transformation into a muscular, athletic build by coaches and scouts. Your phrase: “transformed his body and equipped with multiple skills.” basketball.eurobasket.com+1douglascollegeroyals.ca+1

2. Athleticism & Mobility

  • Displays good mobility for his frame; aggressive driving and attacking off the bounce.
  • Active motor; hunts boards and plays with intensity every possession.

3. Versatile Skillset

  • Left‑hand dominant, with sound fundamentals and body control.
  • Multi‑level scorer: reliable midrange, improved three-point shooter at ~39%, and aggressive finishing at the rim.
  • Rebounding machine: 7 RPG on average, strong defensive boards and hit 8+ rebound games.

4. Defensive Instincts

  • Rotates well, protects the rim with 1.6 blocks and 1.6 steals per game.
  • Reads the game, anticipates plays. Combined with mobility, he can key defensive stretches.

5. Basketball IQ & Intangibles

  • Instinctively influences the game through hustle, decision-making, and leadership.
  • Excellent teammate: unselfish, character-first, always supporting. Hard-worker with a high motor and strong body control.

⚖️ Areas for Growth

  • Free-throw consistency: At 69.8%, slight room to reach high efficiency.
  • Physique vs taller forwards: At 6’4″, may face height mismatches; can counter with strength and positioning.
  • Ball handling vs pressure: Good control, but room to grow if pressed by full-court pressure or faster guards.

🌍 Projection

  • Level: High-level JUCO / Canadian PACWEST player with pro potential internationally.
  • Role Fit: Defensive anchor, rebounder, and multi-level scoring forward.
  • Ceiling: Solid 4/5 role overseas: playing starter minutes on international teams, contributing in all facets.
  • Intangibles: Team-first attitude, work ethic, humility—priceless traits that coaches prize.

🧩 Summary

Strengths

  • 6’4″ strong frame, athletic build, rim protector
  • Efficient 38.8% 3PT, strong mid-range
  • 7 RPG, 1.6 BLK, 1.6 STL/game
  • Fundamental lefty with sound body control
  • High motor, unselfish, character-driven

Development Areas

  • Improve FT shooting
  • Maintain strength against taller forwards
  • Enhance dribble-handling under pressure

Outlook
A rugged, versatile forward with pro-level character. Monroe excels on defense and boards, stretches the floor, and leads with resilience. His mindset and skill evolution at Feather River signal readiness for success at Douglas College—and beyond, into the professional ranks.

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