In his 17 year NBA career, Rod Strickland’s once tremendous potential was undoubtedly marred by contract squabbles, injuries, and a DUI arrest. He could have been on the fast track to multiple All Star selections and even a possible Hall of Fame career if he had reached that unbelievable potential. Now in a bit of déjà vu, Strickland may have very well derailed a once promising coaching career after being arrested once again on suspicion of DUI and driving without insurance charges last month. The University of Kentucky decided to remove Strickland from the Wildcat coaching staff where he served as John Calipari’s top assistant, to an administrative position within the university.
It’s a case of horrible timing for Strickland, who until a month ago was in the running for a number of open head coaching positions like his alma mater Depaul, that we brought to your attention a ways back. With rumors of Calipari’s possible defection to the NBA to coach Lebron James in Chicago or New Jersey, Strickland could have been in line to succeed Cal in a similar situation to Josh Pastner taking over for Calipari, when he left the University of Memphis.
The move makes sense for the university especially on the recruiting front, since as a lead assistant one of his primary duties was making home visits to potential recruits, in an attempt to convince their parents that their sons will be in the good hands of the Kentucky coaching staff. How does he answer parents who have concerns over his now 2nd DUI arrest?
A number of candidates are already in line to take over Strickland’s vacated assistant spot like current Lamar coach and former Calipari assistant, Steve Rocaforte, and former Wildcat stand-out Kenny Payne. It’s a great opportunity for any coach to get a chance to earn some valuable experience on the bench next to arguably one of the college ranks best coaches and universities.
Strickland was once one of the college ranks best players when he was selected as a 1st Team All-American in ’87 and ’88 when he helped lead the Blue Demons to 2 straight Sweet 16 appearances. He was a puzzling pick of his hometown NY Knicks in the ’88 NBA Draft, especially considering they already had the previous season’s Rookie of the Year in point guard Marc Jackson. After several very good seasons on 8 different teams, Strickland retired in 2004. He rose quickly in the coaching ranks alongside Calipari, and was even the Director of Basketball Operations at Memphis, before following Calipari to Kentucky.
Even though he had a number of All-Star worthy seasons, especially in Washington and San Antonio, where he put up averages of 20 ppg and 10 or more assists, he never made a single All Star appearance. Many fans, including Strickland himself, felt he was snubbed because of a poor attitude and constant off the court incidents. I guess the pattern of bad behavior has followed Strickland into the coaching ranks?
Allen Moll is an avid NBA and College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen is a regular columnist for thehoopdoctors.com, Bleacherreport.com, UpperDeckblog.com, and his own site, Hoops Haven.
