From NBA Legend to Brooklyn's Bench Boss
Against all odds, Rod Strickland has orchestrated one of college basketball's most improbable turnarounds, cementing his legacy not just as an NBA legend but as a coaching maestro!
Key Points:
- Rod Strickland led the LIU Sharks to the NCAA Tournament in just four seasons.
- The former NBA star transformed a 3-26 team into Northeast Conference champions.
- LIU will face top-seed Arizona, aiming for a historic No. 16 seed upset.
- Strickland's journey from NYC Point God to head coach is deeply personal and rewarding.
The image was electric: LIU Sharks players erupted, jumping from their seats as their name flashed across the NCAA Tournament bracket, locking in a showdown with No. 1 Arizona. At the heart of the celebration, Northeast Conference Coach of the Year Rod Strickland clapped with a broad smile, soaking in a moment four years in the making.
Yes, that Rod Strickland. The New York City Point God who starred at DePaul, became a Knicks first-round pick, and played 17 seasons in the NBA. Now, he’s leading the Sharks from Brooklyn to San Diego, embracing a new kind of satisfaction.
“Just seeing that blue, yellow and white LIU up there is rewarding,” the 59-year-old Bronx native shared. This sentiment speaks volumes for a man who has always been at the pinnacle of basketball.
The Unsung Grind: Building a Program
Before taking the reins at LIU four seasons ago, Strickland’s coaching experience was limited. His post-playing career largely consisted of roles as an NBA G League executive and a crucial member of John Calipari’s staffs at Memphis and Kentucky. He spent four years as an assistant at South Florida, but a head coaching role felt like a natural, yet delayed, next step.
Unlike contemporaries like Patrick Ewing at Georgetown or Penny Hardaway at Memphis, who landed high-profile jobs at their alma maters, Strickland chose a different path. He embraced the challenge of a modest NCAA Division I program, proving that true leadership isn't about the size of the stage, but the impact you make.
Earning Respect: More Than Just a Name
For many of his young players, Rod Strickland’s legendary NBA career was ancient history. Greg Gordon, a key transfer, initially had no idea of his coach’s pedigree. “They were asking me, like, ‘Do you know who your coach is?’ And I was like, not really,” Gordon admitted.
After researching, Gordon expected a “mediocre” player but quickly changed his tune. “First three minutes, I was like, I could do this. Then it started getting a little tricky. And I was, like, ‘Oh, OK. He’s legit.’” Strickland himself rarely discusses his playing days, focusing instead on the present.
Jamal Fuller, the Sharks' leading scorer, noted Strickland’s consistent message: “Yes, I played in the NBA, but that doesn’t matter. We’re here right now. We’re doing the work we need to do.” It's this humility and focus that truly resonates, transforming raw talent into a cohesive unit. Strickland's NBA career saw him rank in the top 10 in assists per game seven times, a testament to his elite court vision.
The Calipari Connection & G-League Impact
John Calipari played a pivotal role in Strickland’s post-playing transition, offering him his first coaching job at Memphis. Calipari’s loyalty was a direct reciprocation of Strickland’s generosity, a bond forged through shared experiences and mutual respect. Under Calipari, Strickland helped develop future NBA stars like Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans.
Later, Strickland’s keen eye for talent shone brightly with the NBA G League Ignite, a program designed to offer a professional path to young stars outside of college. He mentored future lottery picks like Jalen Green, Scoot Henderson, and Jonathan Kuminga, proving his ability to connect with and develop elite players. America East Commissioner Brad Walker, who worked with Strickland in the G League, emphasized, “His ability to have an impact on young people… it was evident.”
The Sharks' Resurgence: A New Era in Brooklyn
When Strickland arrived, LIU was undergoing a rebrand, transitioning from the Blackbirds to the Sharks. The program, rooted in Brooklyn and playing just blocks from the Nets' arena, had a rich, albeit checkered, history. Legendary coach Claire Bee led them to NIT titles in the 1930s and 40s, but a 1950s point-shaving scandal cast a long shadow. Recent history saw a fleeting return to the NCAA Tournament from 2010-2013, but sustained success remained elusive.
Strickland’s tenure began with a grueling 3-26 record, followed by a 7-22 season. But the foundation was being laid. Last year, fueled by Jamal Fuller, Malachi Davis, Shadrak Lasu, and his son Terrell Strickland, the team showed promise, reaching the NEC tournament semifinals with a 17-16 record.
This season, with the addition of transfers Greg Gordon and Jomo Goings, the Sharks exploded. They dominated the NEC with a 15-3 record, clinching the regular-season title by three games and topping it off with a thrilling conference tournament championship. Notable non-conference victories over Patriot League champion Lehigh, Big South contender Winthrop, and Sun Belt’s James Madison, alongside a tight four-point loss to SEC powerhouse Mississippi State, signaled their true potential.
The Ultimate Test: Arizona Awaits
Now, the ultimate challenge looms: a NCAA Tournament clash with mighty Arizona. It's a daunting task, but Rod Strickland has already achieved the seemingly impossible. His journey at LIU has been a personal and professional triumph.
“When we won the conference championship, I went over to my mother, and I kissed my mother,” Strickland recounted. “And the first thing she said was, ‘I’m so glad you had this job, so glad you’re here.’” For Strickland, leading the LIU Sharks to the NCAA Tournament isn't just a coaching victory; it's a profound fulfillment, a testament to resilience, and a new chapter in a storied career.
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