Mark Strickland played for the Miami Heat from 1996-2000.

The Junior Orange Bowl Basketball Classic has chosen former Miami Heat player Mark Strickland as the honorary chairman for this year’s tournament.

Strickland played nine NBA seasons, most notably for the Miami Heat from 1996-2000. He has over 20 years experience as a player and coach in the NBA, CBA and WBA. Strickland has extensive coaching experience at the Division-1 collegiate level and professional ranks with the NBL and NBA-Development League. In addition to personal coaching of other professional athletes and youth, Strickland is head coach for Gulliver Preparatory’s junior varsity team.

“The Junior Orange Bowl is very proud to welcome Mark Strickland as the honorary chairman for this year’s basketball classic,” said tournament chair Chuck Little. “Strickland has served as a role model both on and off the court in the South Florida community for many years and exemplifies the message the Junior Orange Bowl conveys to all of its youth participants.”

This year’s JOB Basketball Classic features some of the top teams from around Florida and the nation. Top teams from South Florida include defending 8A State Champion and JOB Basketball Classic Champion Hialeah Gardens. The most notable talent in this year’s tournament is 6’8” center Kennedy Meeks, a UNC commitment, out of West Charlotte High School.

This year marks the 24^th anniversary of the tournament, which will take place at Ronald Reagan/Doral Senior High School Dec 27-29. Tickets will be available at the tournament site; admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children. All proceeds will benefit the Junior Orange Bowl.

For more information call 305-662-1210 or visit www.jrorangebowl.org.