Yesterday, New York City hoops legend and former NBA player Rod Strickland was named the new head coach of the Long Island University Sharks.
He was hired after the Brooklyn-based university, which plays in the NEC (Northeast Conference), fired Derek Kellogg, the Sharks’ head coach for the last five seasons.
“Rod Strickland has a demonstrated eye for recruiting and developing student-athletes and we are confident he will elevate Long Island University’s winning tradition to even greater heights,” Long Island University President Kimberly R. Cline said in a statement.
Strickland has previous coaching experience and skills as a talent evaluator.
He joined John Calipari’s staff at both Memphis (2006-2008) and at Kentucky (2009-2014). Over those eight seasons, he went to the Tournament seven times, was a National Runner-Up at Memphis (2008) and won a National Championship at Kentucky in 2012.
He then moved to the University of South Florida and became an assistant coach under head coach Orlando Antigua (2014-2017) before heading to the NBA G League Ignite in 2018. There he worked with premier young talent, including the Rockets’ Jalen Green.
“Rod has done a tremendous job as program director for NBA G League Ignite, from leading our recruiting efforts to aiding in the development of our young players, including six NBA Draft picks in the last two seasons,” said Shareef Abdur-Rahim, President of the NBA G League. “We wish him the best with Long Island University. LIU is getting an amazing person and great basketball man.”
Now Strickland heads back to the sidelines, taking over a team that finished third in the NEC last season.
It’s a position the three-time All-American can’t wait to tackle, especially as it’s back home in NY.
“Developing young players on and off the court has always aligned with my passion while I was playing and after retiring from the NBA,” Strickland said. “I am appreciative to Long Island University for the opportunity to become a head coach at home, in New York City. The Sharks are going to be a competing program for top athletes who not only want to take their game to the next level but prepare for success.”
Congrats to our friend Rod Strickland on his first head coaching job!
