News Summary

Madison, Wisconsin, is mourning the loss of basketball legend Clarence Sherrod, who passed away at 75. Known for his skills at Milwaukee Lincoln High School and the University of Wisconsin, Sherrod left a lasting legacy in sports and education. His contributions as a player and in the community as an attorney will be remembered. A visitation and funeral service will be held on August 27 to celebrate his life and impact.

Madison Mourns the Loss of Basketball Legend Clarence Sherrod

Madison, Wisconsin, is grappling with the sudden loss of one of its beloved sports icons, Clarence Sherrod, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 75. Sherrod was a true pioneer in the world of basketball, leaving behind an inspiring legacy that touched countless lives.

A High School Phenom

Sherrod’s basketball journey began at Milwaukee Lincoln High School, where he dazzled fans from 1964 to 1967. He was a standout player on the school’s state championship teams in both 1966 and 1967, showcasing skills that made him a household name among local sports enthusiasts. His high school squad also included future NBA veteran Fred Brown, and was expertly led by WBCA Hall of Famer Jim Smallins, who recognized Sherrod’s extraordinary talent.

During his impressive career at Milwaukee Lincoln, Sherrod averaged an astonishing 19.7 points per game in six state tournament games. His outstanding performance earned him all-state recognition from the Associated Press (AP) and United Press International (UPI) as a senior, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier athlete.

College Basketball Standout

Sherrod’s excellence on the court attracted attention from nearly 350 colleges, as noted in a 1981 article from The Gargoyle, the University of Wisconsin’s alumni magazine. He moved on to play at the University of Wisconsin for three seasons, where he would soon make a name for himself as a scoring machine.

Upon leaving college, Sherrod had amassed a remarkable total of 1,408 career points, making him the all-time leading scorer for the basketball program at that time. He held this record until 1981 and now ranks 18th in the program’s history. Currently, he still retains the honor of having the highest average points per game with an impressive 19.6. His remarkable 23.8 points per game during the 1971 season remains a program record.

Life Beyond Basketball

In 1971, Sherrod was selected in the eighth round of the NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls and also caught the attention of the Kentucky Colonels in the ABA draft. Despite this recognition, he never played professionally. Nevertheless, his passion for education never wavered. Sherrod graduated as valedictorian from Milwaukee Lincoln and went on to earn a law degree from the University of Wisconsin’s law school in 1975. For Sherrod, basketball was just a stepping stone in his journey toward academic success.

Following law school, he made a significant impact in the community, serving as the assistant district attorney in Milwaukee and later as the deputy district attorney in Dane County. He also worked as legal counsel for the Madison Metropolitan School District, illustrating his commitment to both education and justice.

Legacy and Recognition

Sherrod’s contributions to basketball and the community have not gone unnoticed. In 2002, he was inducted into the UW Athletic Hall of Fame, celebrating his remarkable career and dedication. Wisconsin Athletics expressed deep sadness at Sherrod’s passing, highlighting his contributions to the men’s basketball program, where he was honored as a two-time second-team All-Big Ten honoree.

Friends, family, and the basketball community are coming together to celebrate the life of Clarence Sherrod. Visitation and funeral services are set for August 27 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Madison. His passing leaves a void in the community that will be hard to fill, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.

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