Monmouth basketball: George Papas' journey from walk-on to All-MAAC, and he's not done yet

WEST LONG BRANCH – The raw numbers are burnt into George Papas’ memory, having helped push the sharp-shooter past Monmouth's disastrous 0-12 start in 2018-19. While the support the former Union Catholic standout received during those dark days could pay huge dividends in the coming months.

“I started non-conference - I still know the numbers - I was 3-for-33,” said Papas of his struggles from beyond the 3-point arc. ”What coach in the country is going to tell you to keep shooting? And I am a pretty confident guy, but even when I was at my lowest low, Coach (King) Rice had more confidence in me than I had in myself.”

Now Papas, who showed up without a scholarship in 2017, has been tabbed as a Preseason All-MAAC first team selection, after earning second-team honors last season.

“Sometimes recruiting is a monster and kids who deserve scholarships don’t get them,” Rice said. “I think the relationship was strong at the beginning. Then the year we struggled and I stayed with him, I think that showed him and his family that I believed in him. During that year I kept telling (assistant coach) J.R. (Reid), ‘This kid is a shooter. I’ve seen him,’ and I stayed with him because of who he is.”

Last season, Papas shot nearly 40 percent from 3-point range, averaging 12.4 points and 3.3 rebounds, both career highs. And with Seton Hall transfer Shavar Reynolds, a third-team Preseason All-MAAC pick, joining the backcourt, and North Carolina transfer Walker Miller stepping in at center, the Hawks hope the pieces are in place to make a championship run.

Related: Is North Carolina transfer Walker Miller big man Monmouth's been missing?

The fact that Papas is still here at all is a testament to the bond he and Rice have formed over the years. Papas entered the NCAA transfer portal last offseason, only to return to Monmouth to use the extra year of eligibility granted every student-athlete by the NCAA due to the impact of the pandemic.

More Monmouth: Shavar Reynolds impact could be profound, long-lasting

“That played a huge role into why I came back,” Papas said. “Coach Rice is the only one to ever give me a scholarship. He told all of the seniors, just because of the circumstance we were in and all getting an extra year, he encouraged us all to put our name in the portal to see what we would get.

“I had a lot of really good options but it did not feel right leaving, especially because Coach Rice has been here every step of the way, my highs and lows. This is my home. I have made a home here and it just wouldn’t feel right leaving my home.”

Papas, 6-4, spent much of the 2019-20 season playing out-of-position at point guard because it was what the team needed. And he did a solid job, before shifting back to a shooting guard last season, when he averaged nearly 28 minutes per game.

“I love kids that love basketball like George,” Rice said. “Now George is one of the best players in the league. He’s been that for the last couple of years. He is awesome for coming back after having so many opportunities. He could have gone to a higher level but he stayed with us.

“He was becoming a really good leader but now he’s an even better leader, and it puts a smile on your face because it’s a kid you believed in from the beginning and now he’s getting some flowers for his hard work. So I’m proud of him. He wants more, and I hope we can give him more and I hope he gives us more.”

Since that 0-12 start, Monmouth has gone 44-30, earning a share of the MAAC regular season title last season. Now Papas’ selection as a preseason first teamer puts him in elite company alongside Justin Robinson, who earned the honor twice, and Deion Hammond.

“It is just preseason and that is not the goal, but it is cool and I feel blessed,” he said. “I feel like I can inspire so many others by just telling my story, and my story is not done. I want it to keep going and it is just awesome I get to write another chapter in my book by saying 'preseason first team.' ”

Scrimmage on tap

After a month of banging against each other in practice, Monmouth will take on St. Francis Brooklyn in a closed scrimmage Saturday.

“I’m anxious to see how my young guys do,” Rice said. “I’m not worried about how the older guys do but I want to find who I can play with the older guys.”

One of the Terriers’ top players is former Middletown North standout Rob Higgins, the No. 2 scorer in Shore Conference history. Higgins averaged 11.2 points as a sophomore last season.

Reinforcements inside

Myles Foster showed flashes his potential last season as a freshman. Now, Rice is looking for the 6-7 forward to be a consistent contributor in the paint.

“Big Myles is in much better condition this season,” Rice said. “His body is changing. It’s cool to see because he’s just growing up ... you're seeing the steps that you need to see from him.”