AUGUSTA, Ga.  – Augusta men's basketball and the Augusta University community were saddened to learn of the passing of standout Tyvez Monroe.
 
The Alexandria, Va., native made his mark on the basketball court, writing his name in nearly all of the program's record books. Monroe finished his career 24th in all-time scoring (1,220), 17th in rebounding (574), seventh in three-pointers made (226) and 14th in assists (288). He scored his 1,000^th career point in January 2019. Monroe helped lead the Augusta men's basketball team to a No. 16 national ranking his senior season as well as two Peach Belt Conference Regular season titles and three PBC Tournament titles.
 
AU Coach Dip Metress praised Monroe for his competitive spirit.
 
"As a head coach for 28 years, Tyvez is the first player that I coached to have passed away," said Metress. "I remember watching him practice at Edison High School in Alexandria, Virginia in December of his senior year like it was yesterday. Tyvez is a four board guy in our arena – in other words he is in the All-Time leaders for points, rebounds, assists, and three-pointers.  Tyvez was one competitive dude."
  
Known as a great teammate and student, Monroe is remembered fondly by the Augusta community. "Tyvez was my teammate when we began playing together as freshmen at AU in 2015," said former teammate Aaron Byrd. "Over the course of four years, he became my brother and continued as that after we graduated. It's unimaginable that he's gone but our brotherhood will live through every day. Rest in Peace, Vez."

Former teammate Darren Lucas-White said "Tyvez taught me that coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress and working together is success."

Dr. David Bulla, Chair of the Department of Communications at Augusta University, spoke highly of his time with Monroe. "Tyvez and I did some radio work together announcing Jaguar basketball games," said Bulla.  "He did the color commentary. He was bright, delivered his comments well, and always acted with kindness. Overall, I felt fortunate to have him as one of our Communication students. He did a good job in our Sports Communication course and was always respectful and had good insights in our discussions about sports and the media. What happened to him in D.C. is beyond a shock, and it is a terrible tragedy for his family. Gun violence is a pandemic in our country, Tyvez did not have to become a statistic."
 
Monroe left a lasting impression on Dr. Pamela Hayward, Director of the Integrated Studies Department and Professor in the Department of Communication at Augusta University. "Tyvez was my student and academic advisee," said Hayward. "I first had him in class in introduction to public speaking. I remember he was unprepared to give his first speech as is typical of many freshmen, so I wasn't expecting much when he got up for his turn to speak. However, he surprised me when he was able to launch into an interesting and moving speech about his personal history. He was dynamic and upbeat as he shared with the class the challenges he faced as a child and how he was able to move past obstacles and focus on his future. Knowing his back story, it was inspiring over the years to see him push on with his academics and flourish on the court. He came back to visit campus a while ago and stopped by my office. He asked if I remembered him. How could I ever forget him? The success he had in life was a testament to his determination and positive attitude."
 
Monroe's funeral will be held on Saturday, January 13 at 10:00am at Shiloh Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia.