Monroe University Men's Basketball

JUCO · Region III · New York

Head Coach

Jeff Brustad

Contact: jbrustad@monroecollege.edu

Basketball Staff Contacts

Loading staff directory…

About Monroe University Basketball

Monroe University's program operates with an emphasis on fundamentals and consistency within the NJCAA Region III landscape. Head coach Jeff Brustad builds rosters that prioritize ball movement and defensive discipline, creating an environment where players improve their decision-making and on- court awareness. The typical Monroe player comes in ready to work within a structured system—this isn't a program that relies on individual athleticism alone. The competitive level at Monroe demands players who can execute in half-court settings and understand spacing. You'll see guards who handle pressure well and forwards who move without the ball. Brustad's approach values shooters who can space the floor and bigs who can set screens and finish near the basket. Players who arrive inconsistent in their effort or understanding of positioning don't last long here. For junior college players, Monroe represents a legitimate pathway to four-year opportunities. The program competes within NJCAA Region III, where scouts regularly evaluate talent. Success at Monroe requires immediate readiness—the coaching staff expects you to contribute early, which means your fundamentals and basketball IQ should be developed before you arrive. If your game has ceiling potential but needs refinement, this is a program that will push you to improve specific weaknesses. Brustad's staff doesn't coddle, and they won't hide deficiencies. They'll expose what needs work and give you the structure to fix it. Before you reach out to a program at this level, make sure your game is where it needs to be. Florida Coastal Prep exists to help serious players close that gap— through elite training, academic support, and real exposure. Start at floridacoastalprep.com or /contact/.

JUCO basketball offers real pathways to four-year programs. If you're researching this route, understand how JUCO basketball works and what coaches at this level actually look for before you reach out. The JUCO to D1 transfer path is well-traveled — but it requires the right film and academic standing.

View Monroe University on ESPN ↗

What Recruits Should Know About JUCO Recruiting

JUCO programs in the Region III recruit with a focus on what you can do right now — not your potential three years down the line. Coaches watch film from spring and summer events, respond to well-written emails with recent footage, and fill spots throughout the spring signing period. Open tryouts are common, and roster turnover creates opportunity at the mid-season mark as well.

The biggest thing to understand about JUCO recruiting: your path doesn't end here. Programs like Monroe University serve as a launchpad. Players who earn significant minutes, maintain eligibility, and build transferable film go on to D1, D2, and NAIA programs. A post-graduate year is a smart way to develop your game and expose yourself to JUCO coaches before you enroll.

Walk-On Tryouts Common Transfer Pathway Year-Round Recruiting

How JUCO Basketball Recruiting Works

Junior college coaches recruit differently than NCAA Division I staffs. Walk-on tryouts are common, signing windows extend later into the spring, and roster turnover is higher — meaning open spots exist year-round. Most NJCAA programs recruit locally first, but players who demonstrate film improvement and consistent development get evaluated regardless of geography.

NJCAA eligibility runs through the Eligibility Center but uses a separate certification process from the NCAA. There is no sliding scale — you need a high school diploma or GED, and 48 semester hours of transfer credit satisfies most transfer requirements to four-year programs. Academic eligibility requirements are generally more flexible than NCAA standards.

If you are building toward a four-year transfer, treat your JUCO year as a proving ground, not a fallback. Coaches at D1, D2, and NAIA programs actively watch JUCO film. Players who earn significant minutes in competitive NJCAA regions get evaluated.

Coach Connections That Open Doors to Monroe University

FCP's coaching staff maintains relationships with programs across JUCO — built through years of placing players at the college level. When an FCP coach calls a staff member at Monroe University, that call gets returned. Those coach-to-coach referrals are often what converts a prospect from "film received" to "offer extended."

Our post-graduate program leverages those connections to create real recruiting opportunities for players who have done the work to be ready. Apply to FCP and join a program with a track record of college placements.

Whether you're a current high school player exploring options through our high school program or a graduate looking for a post-grad year, FCP provides the coaching, competition, and college placement support to help you reach programs like Monroe University.

Monroe University Is Within Reach — If You're Ready

The difference between a player who gets offered by a JUCO program and one who doesn't often comes down to timing and preparation. FCP prepares athletes for the moment when Monroe University's coaches are ready to evaluate — so you don't miss your window.

Research compiled by the FCP recruiting staff · Last updated April 2026

Connect With Our Team

Ready to take the next step? Fill out the form below and a member of our coaching staff will reach out to you.