Greg Monroe’s sophomore forecast

ESPN’s latest 5-on-5 ranks players who will be in their second year. All but one respondent had Blake Griffin and John Wall in his top two, and Greg Monroe slid into that open No. 2 slot:

"Rob Mahoney, Two Man Game: Greg Monroe. One of the best kept secrets of the 2010-11 season will finally get the recognition he deserves in a yearlong role as the Pistons’ on-court leader. At 20, Monroe was a clever scorer, a strong rebounder and a natural defender. At 21, he’s poised to bring even more to the table, all while maintaining his trademark efficiency. Just a terrific — if understated — player."

Three of the other ranked Monroe third, and one picked him fourth.

I would’ve put Monroe third – behind No. 1 Blake Griffin and No. 2 John Wall.