5 Shocking Reasons Why LIU Brooklyn Men's Basketball Is The NEC's Most Dangerous Team In 2025-2026

The Long Island University (LIU) Sharks Men's Basketball program is navigating one of its most intriguing and potentially dominant seasons in recent memory. As of early December 2025, the team holds a competitive 5-4 record, demonstrating the blend of talent and grit expected from a squad unanimously selected to finish first in the Northeast Conference (NEC) Preseason Poll. This high praise comes despite a crucial caveat: the Sharks are ineligible for both the 2026 NEC and NCAA tournaments due to their ongoing transition from Division II. This unique situation has created a pressure-cooker environment in Brooklyn, where the team is playing for pride, development, and a chance to prove they are the best team in the league, regardless of postseason opportunity.

Under the guidance of legendary NBA guard and Head Coach Rod Strickland, the LIU Sharks are embracing a fast-paced offensive style, eager to translate their preseason hype into a dominant regular season performance. The team's recent victory over Lehigh, fueled by a season-high performance from star guard Malachi Davis, signals their readiness to contend for the top spot in the NEC standings.

The Hall of Fame Leadership: Head Coach Rod Strickland's Complete Profile

Rodney "Rod" Strickland is the driving force behind the renewed energy and national attention surrounding the LIU Sharks program. Hired in June 2022, Strickland brought an elite pedigree as a former professional player and respected basketball mind.

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• Full Name: Rodney Strickland
• Born: July 11, 1966 (Age 59 as of 2025)
• Current Role: Head Coach, Long Island University (LIU Sharks) Men's Basketball
• LIU Tenure: 4th season (as of 2025-2026)
• Playing Career Highlight: Former professional player in the National Basketball Association (NBA)
• Previous Experience: Served as the Director of the NBA G League's professional path program, focusing on player development prior to joining LIU.
• Accolades: Inducted into the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
• Coaching Philosophy: Known for implementing a high-tempo, fast-paced offensive system.

5 Reasons LIU Sharks Are the NEC's Most Dangerous Squad

Despite being barred from the NEC Tournament, the LIU Sharks have been given a clear mandate: dominate the regular season. Their unique competitive situation, combined with a potent roster, makes them a significant threat to every team on their schedule.

1. Unanimous NEC Preseason Favorite Status

The biggest indicator of the Sharks' potential is their unanimous selection to finish first in the Northeast Conference Preseason Poll for the 2025-2026 season. This level of consensus from rival coaches and media is rare and speaks volumes about the talent and depth Rod Strickland has assembled. The team is expected to set the pace for the entire conference.

2. The Malachi Davis Factor: A Dominant Scorer

Every championship-caliber team needs a go-to scorer, and for LIU, that player is Malachi Davis. The redshirt senior guard from Scarborough, Canada, has established himself as the team's offensive engine. His scoring prowess was on full display in the recent 87-82 victory over Lehigh, where he poured in a season-high 30 points. Davis’s ability to take over games and create shots under pressure is a top-tier asset in the NEC.

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3. The "No Tournament, No Pressure" Mentality

The most compelling, and perhaps dangerous, factor is the team's ineligibility for the 2026 NEC and NCAA Tournaments. While this is a setback for the program, it allows the players to compete with absolute freedom. They are not playing for a seed or a bracket; they are playing solely to prove they are the best team in the conference. This "nothing to lose" approach can be incredibly motivating and lead to fearless, high-risk, high-reward basketball.

4. NBA Pedigree in the Coaching Staff

Beyond Rod Strickland, who was a respected NBA player, the coaching staff brings a level of professional experience that is invaluable for player development. The focus on refining individual talent, a hallmark of Strickland’s background with the NBA G League, is clearly paying dividends. Players like Malachi Davis are benefiting from elite-level coaching, which helps LIU attract high-caliber transfers and recruits looking to elevate their game for the professional level.

5. High-Octane, Fast-Paced Offense

The LIU Sharks run one of the fastest-paced offenses in the NCAA, a style that reflects Coach Strickland's NBA point guard roots. This high-octane system is designed to wear down opponents and create scoring opportunities in transition. While they can be prone to turnovers, the sheer volume of possessions and their ability to score in bunches makes them a difficult matchup for any team in the Northeast Conference.

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Current Season Outlook and Key Entities

As the 2025-2026 non-conference schedule winds down, the LIU Sharks are building momentum with solid wins against tough opponents. Their current 5-4 record reflects a challenging early slate.

Key Victories and Recent Results

The Sharks have secured several important victories that showcase their potential. On November 24, 2025, LIU used a strong second-half blitz to defeat Missouri State 75-61. More recently, they secured a crucial 87-82 road victory against Lehigh on December 6, 2025, a game highlighted by Davis's 30-point explosion. However, they also faced a tough loss to Fordham, falling 69-53, indicating that consistency will be the key to their NEC success.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords

The LIU Men's Basketball program is a rich source of entities that define its identity and competitive standing. These elements contribute significantly to the team's topical authority within the college basketball landscape:

• Home Court: Steinberg Wellness Center (located in Brooklyn, New York)
• Conference: Northeast Conference (NEC)
• Key Assistant Coaches: Brionne Gillion, Jamere Dismukes, and Baronton
• Roster Highlights: Malachi Davis (R-Sr. Guard), a primary offensive weapon.
• Historical Context: The program's athletic merger of LIU Brooklyn and LIU Post in 2019.
• Opponents: Lehigh, Fordham, Missouri State, La Salle Explorers (upcoming opponent on Dec 13, 2025).

The 2025-2026 season for the LIU Sharks is shaping up to be a fascinating experiment in motivation and competitive spirit. With the NEC title within reach, this team is playing for a legacy that transcends the NCAA Tournament, focusing instead on proving their dominance on the court, game by game.