Terrah Jerrod Mustaf

Jerrod was born October 28, 1969, in Whiteville, North Carolina, to Shaar Mustaf and Lillie Mae Brown. He was a graduate of DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, and the University of Maryland and in 2010 received a Masters in Christian Counseling. Jerrod was the 17th pick in the 1990 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks and played in the NBA for the NY Knicks and the Phoenix Suns. He also played professionally in Europe, until he retired in 2001 from the game he loved so much.

Throughout his life, Jerrod strived for greatness and always sought out leadership opportunities. His determination and hard work are evident in the numerous awards and affiliations he gained throughout his life and career. Jerrod was the Executive Director of the Take Charge Program, the Founder and CEO of the Street Basketball Association, and the Founder and Director of Basketball for US Elite Basketball.

This past June, Jerrod was inducted into the 2024 American Basketball Hall of Fame. Jerrod was an active member of the NBA Retired Players Association and the University of Maryland’s M Club. He was the Sports Ambassador for the Republic of The Gambia from 2006 to 2011, and an NBA Africa journalist for Super Sport from 2013 to 2017. He received the Ethnic Heritage Award from the Montgomery County Chapter of the NAACP and was former Vice-President of the Prince George’s County Chapter of the NAACP. He received the Community Service Award from the 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County in 2012. Jerrod was appointed Officer of the National Order of The Republic of the Gambia, West Africa. In 2014, he was listed in the 100 Most Influential Marylanders by the Daily Record. In 2015, Jerrod and the Take Charge Program were recognized as an inaugural member of the Business Workplace Learning Hall of Fame by the Maryland Department of Disabilities and was titled “Amazing Parent” by In Reach, Inc. In 2017, Jerrod received the Washington Wizards Community Assist Award for exemplary dedication and commitment to the community.

Although he gained numerous accolades in his lifetime, Jerrod will be most remembered for the content of his character. In so many ways, Jerrod was truly the GOAT. He was courageous, dependable, and resilient. He was a hard worker who was dedicated to his craft and his community. Jerrod was approachable, humble, and selfless with everybody he spoke with. He was always in pursuit of knowledge and was an avid reader and educator. He relished in debating and welcomed any opportunity to learn.

Jerrod was most proud of his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed taking his family to the gym, and outdoor basketball courts to play basketball. Jerrod was a compassionate and playful father, and he prioritized instilling great values in his children.

Jerrod is survived by his wife, Psaha Mustaf; his children, Ashley Maria (Eric), JaKarrea Ronique, Terah Kai, Amira Kadeja Ali, Terrah Jerrod II, Imani Ali, Shaar Ramadan II, Tariq Jaeden, and Jamal Luke; and his grandchildren, Jeromy, Ahjah, Kaiden, EJ, Jussi, Khari, Ashaarah, Kaiel, and Eric, Jr.

He also leaves behind his grandma, Elsie Ray; aunts, Lena (Boogie), Sue Jette, Marie (Coot), Lynette, and Carol; his uncle, Timothy (Buck); his stepfather, Charles; his mother-in-law, Joey; his father-in-law, Dion; his sisters, Vanessa and Veronica; his cousin (who was more like-a-sister) Harriett, and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.

Jerrod was predeceased by his mother, Lillie Mae Brown; his father, Shaar R. Mustaf; his sister, Denise Blanks-Jenkins; and 4 of his 5 grandparents, Terrah Brown, Sr., Lena Toon Brown, and Udell & Clara Mae McDonald

In place of flowers...donations, cards, etc. may be sent to The Jerrod Mustaf Foundation, 12138 Central Avenue #390, Mitchellville, MD 20721.