LANGSTON, Okla.–For Langston University’s men’s basketball team, junior point guard Bryce Monroe embodies leadership role both on and off the court. Standing at 5-foot-10, Monroe has been instrumental in guiding the Lions through a remarkable season.
In basketball, there’s five positions that make up a team: the center, the power forward, the small forward, the shooting guard, and the point guard. Among these positions the point guard often stands out as the most pivotal., as they typically initiate plays, make sure the offense flows, and serves as the team’s on-court leader.
Monroe’s influence extends beyond his scoring ability; he is the emotional core of the locker room, rallying his teammates around a simple yet powerful motto:
“Our team motto is that the toughest team always wins,” Monroe said. “We go into games with game plans, but at the end of the day, we know that defending and being tougher than every team we play will win us 90% of our games.”
Who is Langston University’s Bryce Monroe
This resilient mindset traces back to Monroe’s upbringing in California, where he split his early years between San Francisco and Oakland. His mother resided in San Francisco, while his father lived in Oakland, exposing Monroe to diverse environments that shaped his character.
“I would say San Francisco influenced me the most in shaping who I am, with its open-minded community where people are judged based on their actions and integrity first and foremost,” Monroe reflected.
“Meanwhile, I believe Oakland had a greater impact on me as an athlete, as I grew up competing with all my older cousins, and the general vibe of Oakland encourages making the most out of your circumstances.”
Monroe’s journey through collegiate basketball has been dynamic, with stints at multiple Division I programs. However, he found his true fit at Langston University.
“I knew Langston was the right school for me after my last call with Coach Wright, right before my Zoom conference with another Division I school,” Monroe said. “He promised that he would pay for me to complete my master’s, even if I didn’t stay the full two years, along with the chance to win a national championship—a prospect that no other school could offer me.”
A winning season
Since Monroe’s arrival, the Langston Lions have achieved a 26-7 overall record, including a 17-7 mark in conference play. Their performance has secured them a spot in the NAIA Men’s Basketball National Tournament Round of 16.
Reflecting on the team’s success, Monroe credits their distinctive approach.
“The rising success of Langston’s basketball program reflects positively on the school and HBCU sports as a whole,” Monroe observed.
“Moreover, it highlights the growing competitiveness and visibility of HBCU sports, challenging the notion that they cannot compete at high levels. Increased success can lead to better recruitment, more funding, expanded opportunities for athletes, and greater recognition on national platforms.”
As the NAIA men’ baskebtall tournament continues, Bryce Monroe and the Langston Lions aim to maintain their momentum, embodying the toughness and determination that have defined their season, and thrive in their ultimate goal to win a national championship.
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