Syracuse basketball has made a pivotal move by naming Gerry McNamara as its new head coach, marking a crucial offseason for the program. McNamara, a beloved figure in Syracuse, expressed his deep connection to the team and the community.
"This program has given me everything, and I am ready to give everything back to it," he stated, emphasizing his readiness to tackle the evolving landscape of college basketball. His commitment to building a special program resonates with the high expectations of Orange Nation.
As McNamara steps into his new role, all eyes turn to how he will construct his roster and coaching staff, which will be vital for the 2026-27 season. Syracuse is eager to return to the NCAA Tournament after a five-year hiatus, and key decisions in these areas will shape the early days of the McNamara era.
Assistant Coaches
There's strong anticipation that Siena assistants Ryan Blackwell and Arinze Onuaku will join McNamara at Syracuse. Both are former Syracuse players who have proven their coaching mettle at Siena, earning McNamara's trust.
Their ties to Syracuse make their addition to the staff likely. Another name in the mix is Ben Lee, a promising coach known for his analytical approach.
However, Lee might be in line for the head coaching position at Siena, especially with Mike Hopkins emerging as the favorite for that role. Whether Lee joins McNamara or not, a move to Syracuse would certainly be a step up in his career.
Ryan Moesch
Ryan Moesch, a four-star point guard from the class of 2026, had committed to Siena, marking a significant recruiting win for McNamara. With the coaching change, Moesch has reopened his recruitment. His admiration for McNamara's recruiting efforts suggests that Syracuse might be a strong contender for his talents, though nothing is set in stone.
Gavin Doty & Francis Folefac
Syracuse is expected to target Siena standouts Gavin Doty and Francis Folefac if they enter the transfer portal. Doty, who has already announced his portal entry, was Siena's leading scorer and impressed with his performance against Duke.
Folefac, a promising freshman, could also attract Syracuse's interest. Securing one or both players would strengthen Syracuse's roster, but the team must be ready to explore other options if needed.
Current Players
In a recent interview, McNamara shared his plan to meet individually with current Syracuse players to discuss his vision and expectations. He emphasized the importance of hard work and dedication as non-negotiables for those seeking playing time.
These discussions will involve key players like Naithan George, Nate Kingz, Donnie Freeman, and others. The outcome of these meetings will significantly influence Syracuse's roster and strategy in the transfer portal for the upcoming season.
With McNamara at the helm, Syracuse is poised for an exciting new chapter, aiming to recapture its storied success and energize its passionate fan base.