A Lifetime of Impact on and Beyond the Court

Rod Strickland’s basketball journey is a true story of New York grit, national respect, and lifelong impact. A Bronx native and proud Oak Hill Academy alumnus, Rod built his name as one of the most gifted and respected point guards of his generation. His time at Oak Hill helped set the foundation for the player, leader, and mentor he would become.

During his senior year at Oak Hill, Rod averaged 17.4 points, 9.1 assists, 2.8 steals, and 1.8 rebounds per game, helping lead the Warriors to a 26–4 record. His talent, court vision, and leadership earned him recognition as First- team Parade All-American, and his legacy at Oak Hill continues to be honored through his induction into the Oak Hill Academy Hall of Fame.

Rod went on to DePaul University, where he became one of the most celebrated players in program history. He was a two-time All-American, helped lead the Blue Demons to three NCAA Tournament appearances and back-to-back Sweet Sixteen runs, and finished his college career with 1,448 points, 557 assists, and 204 steals. DePaul later inducted him into its Athletic Hall of Fame and retired his jersey, placing his name among the program’s all-time greats.

In 1988, Rod was selected in the first round of the NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, beginning a professional career that would span 17 seasons. He went on to play for several NBA teams, including the Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Bullets/Wizards, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, and Houston Rockets. Throughout his NBA career, he earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors, All-NBA Second Team recognition, and led the league in assists during the 1997–98 season. He finished his NBA career with 14,463 points, 7,987 assists, and 4,084 rebounds, ranking among the great playmakers in league history.

Rod’s impact did not end when his playing career did. He continued giving back to the game through coaching, player development, and mentorship. He was part of the University of Kentucky staff during its 2012 national championship season, later served in player development roles, and is now the head coach at Long Island University, where he continues shaping young men through basketball, discipline, and life lessons.

Honoring Rod Strickland with a Lifetime Achievement Award is about more than statistics. It is about recognizing a man whose influence has stretched from New York playgrounds to Oak Hill, from college basketball to the NBA, and now into the next generation of athletes he leads and mentors. His legacy is one of excellence, resilience, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to the game.