Ed Sherrod: The VCU Guard Who Was Drafted by the Nets

The Brooklyn Nets have historically turned the draft into a cornerstone of roster building, extracting talent from a variety of colleges. Over the years, VCU has contributed a handful of players to NBA rosters, though only one made it to Brooklyn. This story follows the lone VCU product who ended up on the Nets’ radar.

Draft Day Journey: Ed Sherrod’s Path to the Nets

In college, Sherrod spent four seasons with VCU, honing his skills as a guard and becoming a reliable contributor for the Rams. He recorded solid per‑game numbers and earned a reputation for tenacity on the defensive end. Those years helped draft prospects take notice of his potential.

The NBA stage arrived in 1981 when the Nets selected him with the 72nd overall pick, the third name chosen in the fourth round. He was drafted as a guard, matching the position he played throughout his collegiate career. Sherrod joined Brooklyn eager to prove he could contend for a roster spot.

Unfortunately, his time with the Nets was short‑lived; he never made the final roster and did not appear in a regular‑season game for the franchise. After being cut, he pursued opportunities in minor leagues and overseas, though his impact remained limited. The experience marked a brief chapter in his professional journey.

Today, Ed Sherrod stands as the sole VCU alumnus drafted by the Brooklyn Nets, a footnote in the franchise’s draft history. His journey reflects the broader trend of the Nets using the draft to fill gaps, while VCU continues to develop talent for the NBA pipeline. Fans of both VCU and the Nets will recall his potential and the path it never fully took.

The information used here comes from Basketball Reference’s extensive player records, ensuring accuracy for every drafted detail. Sherrod’s brief stint highlights how the Nets often scout promising talent only to see it move on to other pathways. This article offers a clear snapshot of one VCU player’s forgotten draft day.