Syracuse University's men's basketball program is on the hunt for a new head coach following the recent dismissal of Adrian Autry. Autry, who led the team for three years, ended his tenure with a 49-48 record and no NCAA Tournament appearances. The team's recent loss to SMU in the first round of the ACC Tournament was the final chapter in his Syracuse story.
Now, the search is on, and several names are already in the mix, including former Syracuse players Mike Hopkins and Gerry McNamara. Another intriguing candidate is Bobby Hurley, known for his coaching stint at Arizona State.
Hurley, the brother of UConn's head coach Dan Hurley, compiled a 185-167 record over 11 seasons with the Sun Devils, making three NCAA Tournament appearances. His 2017-18 team even climbed to a No. 3 ranking, showcasing his ability to elevate a program.
Hurley's coaching journey began at Buffalo, where he notched 19 and 23 wins in his two seasons, earning an NCAA Tournament berth. His coaching prowess is complemented by an impressive playing career at Duke, where he was a pivotal figure in two national championship teams. A three-time All-ACC selection and a consensus All-American, Hurley’s collegiate success translated into a five-year NBA career after being drafted seventh overall by the Sacramento Kings.
As Syracuse prepares to hire a new athletic director, the coaching search is expected to intensify. The university is likely keeping an eye on how the NCAA Tournament unfolds, especially with candidates like McNamara, who recently helped Siena secure a spot in the tournament.
For fans eager to discuss the latest developments, the SYRACUSE on ROUNDTABLE community offers a platform to share thoughts and engage with fellow Orange supporters. It's a great way to stay connected and be part of the conversation as Syracuse navigates this pivotal moment in its basketball history.