In a stunning reversal of fortune, the LIU Sharks have secured a spot in the 2026 NCAA tournament as a No. 16 seed, culminating a three-year rebuild by coach Rod Strickland from a disastrous 3-26 record to NEC champions.
Long Island University’s basketball program has been synonymous with struggle in recent years, but all that changed under the leadership of Bronx native Rod Strickland. In his fourth season as head coach, Strickland has achieved what many thought impossible: guiding the Sharks to their first Northeast Conference tournament title since 2019 and a berth in March Madness.
This marks LIU’s first NCAA tournament appearance since 2018, and the program enters with an all-time record of 0-7 in the tournament. However, the context of this achievement is what makes it historic—Strickland inherited a team that went 3-26 in his debut season and has since instilled a defensive-minded culture that has propelled them to the top of the NEC.
The selection committee seeded LIU as a No. 16 in the West Region, matching them against a top-tier opponent in the first round. This seeding is consistent with the official 68-team bracket released for the tournament [AOL Sports].
Roster Foundations: Guard-Heavy and Gritty
LIU’s success is built on a core of three all-league guards who account for 60% of the team’s scoring. The starting lineup features:
- G Jamal Fuller – 16.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists per game
- G Malachi Davis – 14.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists per game
- G Greg Gordon – 14.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists per game
- G Jomo Goings – 10.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals per game
- F Shadrak Lasu – 5.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.5 blocks per game
Key reserves include F Mason Porter-Brown, who contributes 7.6 points and 3.2 rebounds off the bench, providing depth to a squad that relies heavily on its starters. These statistics reflect the team’s regular-season performance as documented in sports reporting [NY Post Sports].
This guard-centric approach allows LIU to space the floor and exploit perimeter shooting, with the team ranking in the top 55 nationally in 3-point percentage at 36.1%. Their defensive intensity is evident in a steal rate of 11.2% of defensive possessions, a hallmark of Strickland’s emphasis on creating turnovers.
Player to Watch: Greg Gordon’s Journey
Senior Greg Gordon embodies the Sharks’ resilience. The NEC Tournament MVP and Defensive Player of the Year has played at four schools in four years, starting at Dyersburg State Community College before transferring to Iona and UAB. Now at LIU, the 6-foot-5 guard has emerged as a two-way force, ranking in the NEC’s top 10 in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks. His versatility makes him the engine of this team and a potential X-factor in the tournament.
Key Numbers That Define LIU
- 60% – The share of LIU’s scoring coming from their three all-league guards (Davis, Fuller, Gordon).
- 36.1% – Their 3-point percentage, placing them among the top 55 teams in the nation.
- 11.2% – The percentage of defensive possessions that end with a steal, highlighting their disruptive defense.
Why This Run Matters for March Madness
LIU’s story resonates beyond Brooklyn; it’s a classic underdog narrative that captures the essence of March Madness. As a No. 16 seed, they face daunting odds—no 16-seed has ever beaten a 1-seed in the men’s tournament—but their defensive identity and three-point shooting could make them a tricky matchup. Coach Strickland’s NBA pedigree and ability to develop players add credibility to their upset hopes.
For fans, this is a chance to witness a true Cinderella story. The Sharks’ transformation from one of the nation’s worst teams to conference champions in three years is a testament to coaching and team chemistry. Their appearance also highlights the NEC’s growing stature in mid-major basketball.
With the tournament set to begin, all eyes will be on LIU’s first-round matchup. Can they defy history? The groundwork has been laid by a coach who once starred in the NBA and now has his team dancing in the big dance.
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