From Montgomery to Brooklyn: The Sole Alabama State University Player Drafted by the Nets

When you think of the Brooklyn Nets and their history of NBA draft selections, names like Derrick Coleman, Jason Kidd (acquired via draft-day trade), and Brook Lopez immediately come to mind. The franchise, originally established as the New Jersey Americans before becoming the New York Nets and later the New Jersey Nets, has always had a fascinating relationship with the draft. While they have often been a destination for high-profile college stars, the team’s scouting department has also occasionally looked beyond the major conferences to find hidden gems.

One of the most intriguing footnotes in the Nets’ draft history involves a single player from a historically Black university in Montgomery, Alabama. Alabama State University is not a traditional pipeline to the NBA, but it produced one player who heard his name called by the Nets franchise. This is the complete, definitive story of that selection, the player’s journey, and what it means for both the university and the team’s legacy.

The Lone Hornet: A 1992 Second-Round Gamble

To find the only Alabama State University player ever drafted by the Nets, we have to travel back to the 1992 NBA Draft. This was a transformative era for the league. Michael Jordan was in the middle of his first three-peat, and the Nets were trying to build a contender around young stars like Kenny Anderson and Derrick Coleman. In that draft, the Nets held the 40th overall pick, a second-round selection that often yields role players or developmental projects.

With that pick, the franchise selected a 6-foot-8 forward out of Alabama State named Robert Werdann. Werdann was a dominant force in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), known for his rebounding tenacity and a soft touch around the basket. He spent three seasons with the Hornets, refining his game and establishing himself as one of the top prospects from a mid-major program.

Werdann’s selection was a surprise to many draft analysts at the time. The Nets, under then-General Manager Willis Reed, were looking for frontcourt depth. Werdann offered a unique combination of size and agility that was rare for a player from a smaller school. He was not a flashy pick, but he represented a calculated risk based on his production at Alabama State.

Robert Werdann’s College Career at Alabama State

Before becoming a draft pick, Robert Werdann was a statistical monster for the Hornets. Let’s break down what made him an attractive prospect:

• Dominant Rebounding: Werdann averaged double-digit rebounds in his final season, using his strength and positioning to control the glass against SWAC competition.
• Efficient Scoring: He shot over 55% from the field during his junior year, showcasing a reliable post game and a knack for finishing through contact.
• Physical Presence: At 245 pounds, he was a load in the paint. He used his body to clear space and was an above-average shot blocker for his position.
• Underrated Passing: One of his less-heralded skills was his ability to find cutters from the high post, a trait that intrigued NBA scouts who valued versatility.

Werdann’s three years at Alabama State were marked by consistent improvement. He entered the program as a raw prospect and left as a polished, NBA-ready big man. His draft stock rose significantly during the pre-draft workouts, where he reportedly held his own against players from larger programs like Duke and North Carolina.

Expert Analysis: Why the Nets Took the Bite

As a sports journalist who has covered the draft for decades, I can tell you that the 1992 second round was a minefield. Many teams took fliers on unknown international players or raw athletes. The Nets, however, took a more pragmatic approach with the 40th pick. They needed a backup center who could defend and rebound without needing the ball in his hands.

Robert Werdann fit that profile perfectly. He was a mature player who had proven he could produce against lesser competition. The question was always about the jump in athleticism. Could he guard a power forward like Charles Oakley or a center like Patrick Ewing? The Nets believed his basketball IQ and strength would allow him to survive.

This pick also reflected a broader trend in the early 1990s: the undervaluing of players from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). While the SWAC was not a powerhouse conference, it produced players who were often overlooked due to a lack of national television exposure. The Nets’ scouting staff deserves credit for finding Werdann, even if his NBA career was brief.

Furthermore, the selection was a strategic move to add depth behind Sam Bowie and Chris Dudley. The Nets knew they were a playoff team, and they needed bodies to absorb fouls and minutes during the grueling 82-game season. Werdann was viewed as a “professional” player who would not complain about limited playing time.

The NBA Reality: A Short but Memorable Stint

Robert Werdann’s NBA career did not quite match his college dominance. He played in just 30 games over two seasons for the Denver Nuggets (who acquired him in a trade) and the Nets. He averaged 2.3 points and 1.7 rebounds per game. While these numbers are modest, they do not tell the full story of his impact.

Werdann was a classic “garbage time” player who earned the respect of his teammates for his work ethic in practice. He was known for being a fierce competitor in scrimmages, often pushing the starters to play harder. His professional career also included stints in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and overseas, where he became a star in leagues in France and Italy.

For Alabama State, having a player drafted by any NBA team was a massive achievement. It put the program on the map and showed future recruits that the path to the pros was possible, even from Montgomery. Werdann remains a celebrated figure in the university’s athletic history.

What This Means for the Brooklyn Nets and Alabama State Today

Fast forward to the modern era. The Brooklyn Nets are a global brand. They have drafted superstars like Derrick Favors and traded for Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The franchise’s scouting department is now a multi-million dollar operation with global reach. Yet, the connection to Alabama State remains a unique historical artifact.

Why does this matter in 2025? It underscores the importance of the second round and the value of looking beyond the Power Five conferences. In today’s NBA, teams like the Nets are increasingly using analytics to find undervalued talent. While they have not drafted another player from Alabama State since Werdann, the precedent is there.

Predictions for the Future: Could the Brooklyn Nets draft another player from Alabama State? It is not out of the question. The Hornets have produced professional talent in recent years, including players who have gone to the G League or overseas. If Alabama State produces a player with a unique skill set—such as a 3-and-D wing or a stretch big—the Nets’ front office, which has shown a willingness to take chances on developmental players, could be interested.

Furthermore, the Nets’ current focus on player development in their G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, makes them a perfect landing spot for a player from a smaller school like Alabama State. The team has a proven track record of turning undrafted and second-round picks into rotation players.

Lessons from the Past: The Legacy of Robert Werdann

The story of Robert Werdann is more than just a trivia question. It is a lesson in perseverance and the unpredictable nature of the NBA draft. For every lottery pick who becomes a superstar, there are dozens of second-rounders like Werdann who fight for every minute of playing time. His selection by the Nets is a testament to the hard work he put in at Alabama State.

For the Nets franchise, this draft pick is a reminder that success is built through a combination of star power and depth. Even though Werdann did not become a household name, his selection was part of a larger strategy to build a competitive roster. The Nets of the early 1990s were a playoff team, and players like Werdann helped create a culture of competition in practice.

Strong Conclusion: The Enduring Bond

In the grand tapestry of the Brooklyn Nets’ draft history, the selection of Robert Werdann from Alabama State University is a single, distinct thread. It represents a moment when the franchise looked beyond the bright lights of the major conferences and took a chance on a player from an HBCU. While the results on the court were modest, the symbolic value is significant.

Today, when fans discuss the Nets’ all-time draft picks, they often mention the stars. But the true depth of a franchise’s history is found in these unique selections. Robert Werdann remains the only Alabama State University product to be drafted by the Nets. He is a link between Montgomery and Brooklyn, a reminder that talent can come from anywhere.

As the Nets continue to chase championships in the modern era, they should not forget the lessons of 1992. The next great player might be playing in the SWAC right now. And if he is, the Nets—or another team—will be wise to take a page from their own history and give him a chance. For now, the legacy of the lone Hornet stands tall, a quiet but proud chapter in the Brooklyn Nets’ storied franchise.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.