The Brooklyn Nets franchise, with a history dating back to 1967 as the 'New Jersey Americans' in the American Basketball Association (ABA), has seen over 600 players don 52 different jersey numbers. As the team transitioned through various names, including the New York Nets and New Jersey Nets, before becoming the Brooklyn Nets, this rich legacy of players and their numerical identities has been preserved and celebrated through the years.
As part of an ongoing series dedicated to the franchise's extensive jersey history, today's focus is on Willie Sojourner, who holds the distinction of being the fifth player to wear jersey number 40. After a successful collegiate career at Weber State, Sojourner was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the 1971 NBA Draft. However, his professional journey began in the ABA with the Virginia Squires, where he played for two seasons before being traded to the New York Nets in 1973. Sojourner's tenure with the Nets lasted until his departure in 1975, during which he consistently wore the number 40 jersey and contributed 5.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game to the team's efforts.
The story of Willie Sojourner, like many others in the Nets' history, is a testament to the enduring spirit and evolution of a basketball franchise. It reminds us that every player, regardless of the length of their stay or their statistical impact, plays a part in weaving the vibrant tapestry of a team's heritage. Their contributions, big or small, are threads that collectively create the rich narrative of sports, embodying dedication, perseverance, and the timeless pursuit of excellence on the court.