"Strickland expressed, 'Pitino's a tough cookie. That's my guy, though . . . We have a lot of history [and] I'm a big-time fan.' This highlights their enduring relationship."
"'Coach called me a couple of days before the game and said, 'Do you want to travel with us? We'll fly you there and back,' said Strickland, showcasing Pitino's supportive nature."
"'You've got to go in with the mindset that you're going to win,' said sophomore forward Shadrak Lasu, emphasizing the importance of confidence for LIU's underdog status."
"'It's special because it's home,' Strickland noted, reflecting on the significance of his New York roots and the support from his family and local legends."
Rick Pitino and Rod Strickland reunite as Strickland's LIU team faces Pitino's St. John's in the NCAA Tournament. Strickland appreciates Pitino's gesture of inviting him to travel for his jersey retirement at DePaul. LIU, an underdog against top-seed Arizona, aims to make history as a No. 16 seed. Strickland values the support from his New York roots, including his mother attending games and local legends showing up. He emphasizes the importance of a winning mindset for his team.
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