When Rod Strickland accepted the head coaching job at LIU in June 2022, it marked his first head coaching opportunity at the college level—but it was far from his first coaching role. Before arriving in Brooklyn, Strickland spent years gaining experience under Hall of Fame coach John Calipari, serving as an assistant at both Memphis and Kentucky. During that time, he worked closely with elite guards such as Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, and John Wall, helping shape their games as they rose from college stardom to NBA success.
At LIU, Strickland has already shown steady growth. His first season produced just three wins, but by year two, he more than doubled that total with seven victories. Last season, his Sharks took an even bigger leap, winning 17 games and showing signs of a program on the rise.
Now, entering year four, the conversation has shifted. For many, the benchmark is clear: 20 wins or more. Not as a burden or a demand, but as the natural next step to validate Strickland as a legitimate head coach at the Division I level.
More Than Wins and Losses
This article is not about putting pressure on Strickland. In fact, it’s the opposite. Personally, I believe he has all the elements to become a great coach. We already know he understands the game—his NBA résumé speaks for itself. But what truly sets him apart is his demeanor and patience.
Strickland has always carried himself with a fabulous, laid-back presence, even as a player. That same composure translates onto the sideline. His ability to remain calm, regardless of the circumstances, has become a quiet strength of his coaching style.
A Firsthand Example of Patience
I’ll never forget attending a game when LIU faced Fairfield in Connecticut. In the first half, Fairfield stormed out to a big lead. Positioned directly behind the LIU bench. I paid close attention to Strickland’s body language.
What struck me was his consistency. His reaction never changed. If you ignored the scoreboard, you couldn’t tell if LIU was ahead or trailing. At halftime, I left assuming the game was out of reach. But later that night, I got a call: LIU had stormed back and pulled off an incredible comeback victory. That’s when it clicked. His composure wasn’t just for show—it was contagious. It gave his players the confidence to keep competing, no matter the score.
The Road Ahead
With the 2025–26 season underway, Strickland faces what could be his defining year. Reaching 20 wins would not just prove legitimacy—it would symbolize the patience, resilience, and vision he’s been steadily building at LIU.
Strickland’s story is still being written, but one thing is clear: attributes like composure, patience, and quiet leadership are what make great coaches.