The Brooklyn Nets have built their roster through a variety of strategies over the years, with the NBA draft playing a pivotal role in shaping the franchise's identity. From landing star players via draft-day trades to uncovering hidden gems in later rounds, the Nets' front office has consistently used the annual draft to strengthen their squad. But it's not just the headliners who have come through this process—numerous alumni from colleges across the country have found their way to Brooklyn on draft night.
One school that has a unique, albeit small, connection to the Nets is Columbia University. While the Ivy League isn't typically known for producing NBA talent, the Lions have had a handful of players selected by the Nets over the decades. Let's take a closer look at every player drafted by the Brooklyn Nets out of Columbia.
1979 NBA Draft
Round: 9th
Pick: 7th overall (173rd selection)
Player: [Name not specified in original text]
Stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference. This draft connection highlights how even less-heralded programs can contribute to an NBA franchise's history, especially during an era when the draft stretched deep into later rounds.
For Nets fans and college basketball enthusiasts alike, this list serves as a reminder that talent can come from anywhere—and that the draft is often a numbers game where every pick tells a story.
