Monroe started the All City Classic in 1995.
"We use Kobe Bryant and his visibility to bring all the national scouting services to the city of Philadelphia so they can see everybody else," he said.
Monroe said he never expected the tournament to last three decades.
"I never knew it was going to grow into this. I never knew I'd be doing it 30 years later. I just wanted to do something to help the city of Philadelphia. The kids I felt like were getting looked over that had talent," he said.
The invite-only showcase highlights top high school and youth basketball players from across the region. It was sponsored by Philadelphia native and NBA guard Rasual Butler and has featured some of the sport's biggest names. Kobe Bryant played in the first year, followed by stars such as Kyle Lowry and the Morris twins.
For junior Zaahir Muhammad-Gray, the event is a reminder that elite talent comes from Philadelphia's own courts. At 6-foot-6, he is considered one of the city's top high school players.
"It means a lot. In 8th grade, I got my first invite. It was an honor. And the last time I played, I got MVP," he said.
Asked whether he feels he belongs among the tournament's alumni, Muhammad-Gray said, "If you open up a book of MVPs in the All City Classic, you will see all their names and my name right behind them."
The All City Classic tips off Thursday at 6 p.m. at Universal Audenried High School.