Gerry McNamara's appointment as the head coach of Syracuse men's basketball has Orange fans buzzing with optimism. After missing the NCAA tournament for a record five consecutive seasons, there's hope that McNamara can steer the team back to its former glory.
The big question is: What should fans realistically expect? Syracuse hasn't played in front of a packed arena in the NCAA tournament since 2019, with their last appearance in 2021 happening without fans.
I recently sat down with Mike Lindsley, a seasoned Syracuse basketball reporter, on my radio show, and we dug into what McNamara's hiring could mean for the program. Lindsley, with his extensive experience covering the team, offered some intriguing insights.
"Syracuse basketball should aim for an at-large bid most seasons," Lindsley pointed out. "Sure, they can make a run in the conference tournament, but the ACC has been tough. Despite making it to the Final Four in '15-'16 and the Sweet 16 in 2018 and 2021, they've been stuck in that mid-tier zone."
Lindsley emphasized the importance of recruiting and player relationships. With names like Carmelo Anthony and Gerry McNamara actively involved, there's potential for a strong roster.
"If you have a lineup with Kiyan Anthony, Sadiq White, and Tyler Betsy, and McNamara leading the charge, making the NCAA tournament in year one is a must," he said. "McNamara is a fierce competitor, and that's the expectation."
We also explored the possibility of Ryan Blackwell joining McNamara's staff or taking the head coach position at Siena. The competition for coaching talent among Northeast schools like Syracuse, Siena, and St. Bonaventure is heating up.
For more insights and to join the discussion, check out our SYRACUSE on ROUNDTABLE community, where you can share your thoughts and connect with fellow fans.