Earl Monroe, a former Knicks legend known for his many nicknames and as a member of the 1973 championship team, engages in a Q&A session with Post columnist Steve Serby.
Q: Ray Scott, your friend and former Baltimore Bullets teammate, once said, “God couldn’t go 1-on-1 with Earl.”
A: That’s a quote that many people were using back in those days. Being from Philly, I was often referred to as “Black Jesus.” It was a twist on that nickname.
Q: Did you have a favorite nickname, like “Duke of Earl”?
A: Nicknames are fun; people create them for you, but the ones you truly cherish are typically those you give yourself.
Earl Monroe is pictured during a ceremony for the Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School on Sept. 25. Robert Sabo for the NY Post
Q: Who originally called you “Pearl”?
A: I’m not sure who it was. When I was in college at Winston-Salem State, I had an impressive start — scoring 33 points in my first game and 58 in my second game of my senior season, maintaining high scores for several games. A writer even titled a column “These are Earl’s pearls.” That’s how folks in the South began calling me “The Pearl.” At first, I wasn’t fond of it, but it caught on, and eventually, I embraced being known as “Earl the Pearl.”
Q: Clyde Frazier once said, “He was a nightmare to guard. Earl didn’t know what he was going to do, so how could I?”
A: That’s pretty spot-on. I often didn’t have a set plan; I let the game dictate my choices. My style revolved around reacting to the situation as it unfolded, especially since Clyde and I had the same background, which created a natural competition between us.
Q: Clyde also remarked, “Earl’s fire and I’m ice.”
A: I played with a lot of passion and energy, while he maintained a more laid-back demeanor.
Q: How would you characterize your playing style?
A: I aimed to be unpredictable. I wasn’t the highest jumper, so I developed a clever and unorthodox approach. My style was firmly rooted in fundamentals, but I understood how to adapt to be successful. I blended creative ball-handling with a solid grasp of the game’s intricacies.
Q: Were you discouraged from joining the Knicks by former 76ers broadcaster Sonny Hill?
A: I had a day to decide. I discussed it with my mom, who advised me to follow my heart. Later that evening, I met with Sonny, and we talked about the pros and cons of moving to New York. He pointed out that if I came here, it wouldn’t feel like my own team. However, we reached an understanding over dinner. I told him, “Sonny, I’m from Philadelphia, and I can perform under any conditions.” He responded, “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.”
Q: If you hadn’t agreed to be
Q: Was it possible that the ABA Indiana Pacers were an option for you before being traded to the Knicks?
A: (laughs) Yes, but I was somewhat put off by the idea. I attended a game, and while it was fantastic and the team was impressive, something happened afterwards that made me uneasy. After the game, everyone went into their lockers and pulled out guns. I wasn’t sure what that was about, but I realized it wasn’t a safe environment for me. Back then, we didn’t have cell phones, so I managed to find a pay phone in the arena and called my agent, Larry Fleisher, saying, “I don’t think this is the right place for me.” He responded, “Come on home, Earl; I’ve got another offer for you,” and that was from the Knicks.
Earl Monroe sits alongside NBA commissioner Adam Silver during the ceremony for the Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School on September 25. Robert Sabo for the NY Post
Q: What memories come to mind when you think of the South Philly playgrounds?
A: Those playgrounds are where I grew up. I remember starting out playing and struggling to find anyone who wanted to join me. I would go home in tears, telling my mother that the other kids were teasing me and making fun of me. She advised me, “Earl, take this notebook and write down the names of those who are being unkind to you. You’re going to improve. As you do, cross their names off.” I believe that motivated me to get better and to challenge myself to overcome the negativity I faced.
Q: Can you describe what your mother, Rose, was like, and how hard was it to cope with her passing?
A: She was truly special—my greatest supporter. Even today, I still talk to her in my thoughts. She was my guiding light, and I was hers. Despite having two sisters, I was the youngest and the one everyone looked out for (laughs). She worked tirelessly for us, especially for me. Interestingly, she only watched me play once because she couldn’t bear the thought of me getting hurt, but her support was unwavering.
Q: When did she pass away?
A: In 1973.
Earl Monroe (15) advances the ball for the Knicks during Game 5 of the 1973 NBA Finals. AP
Q: Did she pass away before or after you won the NBA championship?
A: She passed away in late January. I visited her in the hospital, arriving late as usual. I spent a little time there before needing to leave for a game. As I was leaving, she hugged me and said, “Earl, if anything happens to me, just know that I’ll be alright.” After that, I drove back to New York, and around 3 a.m., my best friend from Philadelphia called to tell me that she had passed.
Q: On the night you and the Knicks won the NBA championship in 1973, did you think about her?
A: Absolutely. I dedicated that season to her. Winning the championship felt like the pinnacle of my achievement, a way to show her that I succeeded.
Q: Returning to an earlier point, why did kids make fun of you and not want to play with you?
A: Because I was pretty terrible (laughs). I didn’t start playing until I was 14, and a coach named…
Monroe Barrett spotted me in the hallway, and we were about the same height, standing at 6-foot-3. He inquired if I played basketball, to which I replied, “No sir.” He then invited me to the gym that afternoon. I decided to head to the gym, and that day, I developed a deep affection for the game. However, I found myself struggling to play (laughs). The challenges of learning how to play were tough, as the other guys were really pushing me. I just couldn’t keep up. That’s where the playgrounds came into play; they helped me refine my game.
Q: What did you appreciate most about your 1972-73 Knicks?
A: We had an abundance of intelligent players who grasped the game and knew how to achieve victory. Many talented individuals have played this game, yet not all have won an NBA championship. Winning an NBA championship is not something you can accomplish alone.
Earl Monroe (l.) alongside Bill Bradley and Willis Reed during a halftime ceremony in 1997. WA Funches Jr.
Q: How would you describe those matchups between Gus Johnson and Dave DeBusschere?
A: They were fierce battles, the kind worth paying to witness. Gus was one of those players who helped me improve my skills while I was with the Bullets. Back then, you would often put your hand on a player’s hip, giving the impression your hand was just resting there. However, stronger players used that technique to direct you wherever they wanted on the court. I learned to navigate around Gus and develop my skills while contending with his hand-checking style.
Q: What qualities made Willis Reed the Captain?
A: He genuinely cared. He showed concern for each individual player in his unique way. The team understood and valued that he was a tough competitor who was always supportive while being approachable enough for conversations. Willis was driven to win, and he aimed to do it alongside his teammates. He had a strong desire to stay in the game and rarely wanted to come out.
Q: Do you recall watching Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the Lakers when Willis appeared from the tunnel limping?
A: Yes, I do. As a player, you could sense the atmosphere. Even watching on TV, you could feel the crowd’s energy. I remember in ’71, after he had been injured, I told him, “Don’t start that Game 7 stuff again,” which made him laugh (laughs).
Earl Monroe attempts a shot for the Knicks during a 1973 postseason game against the Celtics. AP
Q: What attributes contributed to Walt “Clyde” Frazier becoming a Hall of Fame player?
A: He had excellent ball-handling skills and a profound understanding of the game. Clyde was also a stellar defensive player. He played to entertain the crowd but remained focused on his responsibilities. You never saw him in a rush; he always played within himself. I recall one instance when he got genuinely angry during a game against the Bullets. Phil Chenier hit him in the head, but Clyde didn’t react vocally; instead, he responded with a vengeance on the court. That was his demeanor—cool yet lethal.
Q: What defines Bill Bradley?
A: Bill Bradley recognized his limitations. I faced off against him in the Baker League down in Philadelphia. He understood the necessity of honing his ball-handling skills, and he did just that. Initially, they attempted to mold him into a guard, but later, when they shifted him to small forward, his proficiency as a shooter became evident.
positioned to take a shot at the basketball. He would tire his opponents out because he had a clear sense of direction, while they remained uncertain of his next move, all to reach his spot, receive the ball, and make the shot. Everyone knew their role. Most of these players had been leaders on their previous teams, including myself, so we recognized the significance of leadership. Additionally, we understood the value of stepping back from leadership when necessary. This aspect is crucial as well.
Bill Bradley is seen alongside Clyde Frazier during the Knicks’ postseason game on May 6, 2024. Charles Wenzelberg
Q: What are your thoughts on Dick Barnett?
A: It was an honor to play alongside him. The only challenge was that we occupied the same position. Upon joining the Knicks and during our initial meeting with Red [Holzman, coach], I informed Red that I preferred not to start. I wanted to come off the bench and earn my place, which I believe set me apart from many others with similar backgrounds. However, that was my honest feeling, and I meant no disrespect to Dick Barnett. He was often the one defending me when I played for the Bullets, so I recognized the level of competition he brought. He was an excellent shooter and, once again, a very astute basketball player.
Q: How would you describe Red Holzman as a motivator?
A: Red motivated players by allowing them to showcase their skills… up until the point they didn’t do things his way (laughs). He had an understanding of his players and more or less managed them rather than directly coached them. Everyone respected him for this, and they genuinely wanted to play for him.
Q: What impressions do you have of Jerry Lucas?
A: Another intelligent player with a solid grasp of the game. Jerry may not have jumped high, but he was an exceptional rebounder.
Q: What do you think about Jalen Brunson?
A: I appreciate his style of play. I’ve admired him since his college days. I followed his career in Dallas and often wondered why he was drafted so late, despite being named Player of the Year. Those who truly understood the game recognized his leadership ability. I think I might have seen him smile twice this year. Before that, I had never seen him smile because he was always so focused on the game. It’s possible he smiled elsewhere, and I just happened to miss it. The essence of it is that he comprehended the game thoroughly. Like me, he might not jump well, but he knows how to create his own shot and match up against anyone.
Jalen Brunson has the opportunity to guide the Knicks to their first title since 1973. Robert Sabo for the NY Post
Q: Do you believe he can lead the Knicks to their first championship since 1973?
A: That might have happened last year if it weren’t for injuries. I recognized that they could have defeated Boston in a series last year. They have a strong team. They are well-coached. With this New York-Villanova connection, there’s no reason they can’t further develop this year.
Q: So, do you think they have a chance to win a championship?
A: Oh, definitely.
Q: Is it difficult for you to believe that you’ll be turning 80 in November?
A: It is indeed. You don’t really contemplate that until someone mentions it (laughs). It’s something I’ve been reflecting on recently because people keep bringing it up. However, I consider it a blessing in another sense that I’m still here and functional.
Great to be here.
Q: Can you describe your life today, Earl Monroe?
A: Currently, it’s been quite challenging for me. My health isn’t ideal, but I’m thankful that things are progressing nicely with the school, which lifts my spirits. My family also appears to be doing well.
Q: What health issues are you facing?
A: I had knee replacement surgery back in 2014, and since then, it feels like everything has been weighing on me. I’ve undergone over 40 surgeries, many of which have occurred recently. I’m just glad to be here.
Q: Can you share more about the Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School?
A: This idea has been with me long before I got involved with the school. In the ’80s, I had a program called Earl Monroe’s School. I’ve been part of this endeavor since around 2013, and it has truly been a blessing. Not only is the school named after me, but it’s also gratifying to witness the kids and the possibilities we aim to provide for them. We aim to demonstrate what success looks like and offer them the opportunity to achieve it.
A ceremony for the Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School took place on September 25. Robert Sabo for the NY Post
Q: If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be?
A: Martin Luther King Jr., Alexander the Great, and Barack Obama.
Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: “Malcolm X.”
Q: Who is your favorite actor?
A: James Earl Jones.
Q: Who is your favorite actress?
A: Dorothy Dandridge.
Q: Who is your favorite singer or entertainer?
A: Nat King Cole.
Q: What meal do you enjoy the most?
A: Baked beans, hot dogs, and rice—vegetarian beans, to be specific.
Q: Would you consider yourself a pioneer?
A: I suppose so. At the time, no one was doing what I did. There were players like Bob Cousy who performed behind-the-back moves, but that wasn’t quite the same.
Q: Did you enjoy being a showman on the court?
A: I knew how to excite the crowd. While I didn’t take it to the extreme, I would occasionally do things that I knew would elicit a reaction—whether it was making a shot, delivering a pass, or just doing something to remind them of my presence (laughs).
