Busting Brackets
Fansided

Surprise return of Nick Sherod boosts Richmond Basketball for 2021-22 season

By Tristan Freeman

Nov 25, 2017; Richmond, VA, USA; Richmond Spiders guard Nick Sherod (5) dribbles the ball as Georgetown Hoyas forward Marcus Derrickson (24) defends during the first half at Robins Center. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2017; Richmond, VA, USA; Richmond Spiders guard Nick Sherod (5) dribbles the ball as Georgetown Hoyas forward Marcus Derrickson (24) defends during the first half at Robins Center. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Richmond Basketball had a solid past season, finishing 14-9 (6-5). However, they underachieved overall due to several factors that were out of their control and failed to make the 2021 NCAA Tournament despite having four seniors in the starting lineup.

It was supposed to be five until guard Nick Sherod suffered a season-ending ACL injury just a month before the season was to begin. He was coming off a season of averaging 12.7 ppg and 5.4 rpg in nearly 30 mpg as a starter while making 44% from three-point range. His injury left a hole in at the wing, which was filled by sophomore Tyler Burton.

In fairness to Burton, he played as well as any Spider fan could realistically ask for. The Atlantic 10 Most Improved Player of the Year put up 12.0 ppg and a team-leading 7.6 rpg this past season, including six double-doubles and a career-high 25 points against St. Joseph’s. The issue wasn’t Burton, but rather the lack of depth from the bench caused by both Sherod and Connor Crabtree’s injuries.

In normal circumstances, last season’s miss of the NCAA Tournament would’ve been considered devastating for the program and head coach Chris Mooney. They would’ve been losing nearly 90% of their offensive production since they would’ve had to graduate. However, the extra year of eligibility given to all players by the NCAA allowed all seniors the opportunity to come back.

And luckily for the program, four of the five seniors on the roster have decided to come back. Including Sherod, Richmond is bringing back forwards Nathan Cayo and Grant Golden, along with point guard Jacob Gilyard. They do lose leading scorer and all-league guard Blake Francis but considering the circumstances, this offseason should be considered a huge win for the program.

Sherod coming back gives the team a guard with a 40% career three-point shooting, while also being a capable defender on the other end. At 6’7 and 230 pounds, he could potentially replace Francis as the starting two-guard. Or, he could be the 6th man on the team and allow Burton to stay in the starting lineup, allowing either Crabtree or one of the intriguing incoming freshmen to start there. Then the Spiders will have scoring production to rely on coming off the bench.

Next. Latest 1st Round mock NBA Draft. dark

When Sherod was injured months ago, he was set to starting his professional career and not play in college anymore. But the reversal has given the Spiders another chance for their senior-laden lineup to make some real noise in the Atlantic 10 next season. Looks like St. Bonaventure has some competition at the top of the preseason standings now.

Home/Atlantic 10