Greenville, S.C.
As Siena gears up to face Duke in the NCAA Tournament, Coach Gerry McNamara knows he's up against a powerhouse. Duke's Cameron Boozer, a freshman phenom, has taken the college basketball world by storm, earning a unanimous first-team AP All-America nod. He's the ACC Player of the Year and a strong contender for National Player of the Year honors.
"If you ask me, Cam Boozer is the national player of the year," McNamara remarked confidently. "He's got to be in the conversation for the number one pick in the NBA. The kid's a winner-three Peach Jams, a national championship, and now the ACC."
But McNamara's eyes aren't just on Boozer. He's got a personal connection with another Duke standout, Maliq Brown.
Their history dates back to McNamara's time as an assistant coach at Syracuse, where he recruited Brown from Blue Ridge High in Virginia. McNamara, a Syracuse legend himself, returned to his alma mater after a stint in pro ball, eventually transitioning to Siena for his first head-coaching role.
"Maliq and I had a great connection," Brown shared. "He showed immense support for me and my family during recruitment. He's always been my guy."
A Journey from Syracuse to Duke
Brown's journey took a turn when he transferred to Duke after two years at Syracuse, coinciding with McNamara's move to Siena. Despite the changes, their bond remained strong, even as Duke, the top seed, prepares to face Siena.
"I texted him last night," McNamara said. "I've loved Maliq since I first saw him play.
He's selfless and elite defensively. He's one of the best kids I've been around."
When McNamara moved to Siena, Duke's coach Jon Scheyer reached out about Brown. "Jon kept calling, and I finally said, 'Stop calling me.
Take him. He’s really good,'" McNamara laughed.
"Jon's done a fantastic job with him, and I'm thrilled to see Maliq shine on a national stage."
Maliq Brown’s Impact at Duke
Last season, shoulder issues limited Brown's playtime as Duke reached the Final Four. However, his senior year has been a revelation, earning him ACC Defensive Player of the Year and Sixth Man accolades.
"Last year didn't end the way I wanted due to injuries," Brown admitted. "This year, I've accomplished so much and it feels great."
With injuries sidelining teammates Patrick Ngongba and Caleb Foster, Brown has stepped up, delivering key defensive plays and crucial baskets. As a senior leader, he's also mentoring younger players on handling the pressures of the NCAA Tournament.
"Stay in the present," Brown advises. "Enjoy the moment and don't look too far ahead."
Though he hasn't seen McNamara in a few years, Brown looks forward to their reunion on the court as Duke and Siena clash.
"I'm proud of what he's done at Siena," Brown said. "It’ll be strange seeing him on the opposing bench, but once the game starts, it's all about the competition."