DePaul Retires Rod Strickland's Jersey

Strickland, 59, reflects on his college career and the honor of having his jersey retired.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:47pm

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Rod Strickland, a two-time All-America guard who led DePaul to three NCAA Tournament appearances from 1986-88, will have his jersey retired on Tuesday night at halftime of DePaul's game against St. John's. Strickland, who went on to play 17 seasons in the NBA and is now the head coach of Long Island University, will become one of just five men's basketball players to have their jersey numbers retired by DePaul.

Why it matters

Retiring a player's jersey is one of the highest honors a college basketball program can bestow, recognizing their significant contributions to the team's success and legacy. Strickland's jersey retirement cements his place among DePaul's all-time greats and serves as an inspiration for current and future Blue Demon players.

The details

During his three seasons at DePaul under coach Joey Meyer, Strickland averaged 16.6 points, 6.4 assists and 2.3 steals per game, including 20 points and 7.8 assists in his junior season in 1987-88. He holds the single-season assists per game record with 7.8, ranks second with 204 career steals, and is third with 557 career assists and a 45.6% 3-point percentage.

  • On Tuesday night at halftime of DePaul's game against St. John's, the Blue Demons will make Strickland one of just five men's basketball players with their jersey numbers retired.
  • Strickland, who is in his fourth season as the Long Island head coach, will receive the honor at the age of 59.

The players

Rod Strickland

A two-time All-America guard who led DePaul to three NCAA Tournament appearances from 1986-88 and went on to play 17 seasons in the NBA. He is currently the head coach of Long Island University.

Joey Meyer

The head coach of the DePaul men's basketball team during Strickland's college career from 1986-88.

Mark Aguirre

One of the five DePaul men's basketball players who have had their jersey numbers retired, playing for the Blue Demons from 1978-81.

Terry Cummings

One of the five DePaul men's basketball players who have had their jersey numbers retired.

Dave Corzine

One of the five DePaul men's basketball players who have had their jersey numbers retired.

George Mikan

One of the five DePaul men's basketball players who have had their jersey numbers retired.

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What they’re saying

“When you're playing, especially for me, I always was in the moment. Always thought I wanted to be the best. I wanted to win — but in that moment. So years later, to be able to be acknowledged for what I've done in the past, I think it means more now as an older gentleman.”

— Rod Strickland (Chicago Tribune)

“The three of us established something on our own that kind of separated us and put us in the class with the rest of them. But in three years, that freshman class, we won over 70% of our games. So I think about that. I think about my teammates. Think about just the fun times that we've had together, the tough times, the tough losses, the great wins.”

— Rod Strickland (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

Strickland will receive the honor of having his jersey retired at halftime of DePaul's game against St. John's on Tuesday night.

The takeaway

Strickland's jersey retirement is a testament to his outstanding college career and the lasting impact he had on the DePaul basketball program. As one of just five players to receive this honor, he joins an elite group of Blue Demon legends and serves as an inspiration for current and future players to strive for greatness.