He also set a new career high with 19 points in a game against William and Mary, surpassing his previous career high of 18 points. Strickland made 8-of-12 field goals in that game, including hitting both shots he took from three-point range and making his only free throw. His contributions helped North Carolina advance to the Elite 8 of the NCAA tournament. Strickland once again started at shooting guard during his junior season in which the Tar Heels began ranked #1 in the country. He averaged 7.5 points per game on 57% shooting (highest on the team), only attempting and missing one three-pointer. He also recorded 2.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Both season highs came against Mississippi Valley State when he had 6 rebounds and 6 assists to go with 13 points. During an ACC road game at Virginia Tech on January 19, Strickland tore his ACL and was ruled out for rest of the season. The team ended up losing in the Elite 8 of the NCAA tournament to Kansas. Strickland started all 36 games for the Heels in his senior season. He led the nation in assist-turnover ratio (3.19) and was fifth in the ACC in assists (143 total, 4.2 per game). He averaged 7.8 points per game and 27.9 minutes per game (both career highs), and posted his first career double double against ECU with 12 points and 10 assists (a career high). After going undrafted in the 2013 NBA draft, Strickland joined the Portland Trail Blazers for the 2013 NBA Summer League. In September 2013, he signed with SO Maritime Boulogne of France for the 2013–14 season. On November 29, 2013, he was released by Boulogne after 13 games. On January 18, 2014, he was acquired by the Idaho Stampede of the NBA Development League. On November 3, 2014, Strickland was reacquired by the Idaho Stampede. However, he was later waived by the Stampede on November 13, 2014. On March 11, 2015, he was acquired by the Los Angeles D-Fenders. On November 25, 2015, Strickland signed with the Moncton Miracles of the NBL Canada. In 42 games, he went on to average 16 points, 4.6 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game, being the second best scorer of the team. On November 28, 2016, Strickland joined ETHA Engomis of the Cypriot League.