Gerry McNamara aims to restore Syracuse basketball's national prominence
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 7, 2026, 10:11 PM
Last updated Oct 7, 2026
Gerry McNamara has been announced as the new head coach for Syracuse basketball during the ACC Tipoff. The former player, who won an NCAA championship in 2003, is tasked with reversing the program's recent struggles, including missing the last five NCAA Tournaments. McNamara emphasizes building toughness and competitiveness, aiming to recruit players who share this mindset. His recent success at Siena, where he led the team to a strong performance in the NCAA tournament, has fueled expectations for his return to Syracuse. McNamara brought three players from Siena to help set the standard he envisions for the team moving forward.
- •McNamara becomes Syracuse's head coach after five NCAA Tournament misses.
- •He emphasizes toughness and competitiveness in recruitment and play.
- •Three players from Siena are joining Syracuse under McNamara.
- •McNamara's coaching at Siena involved a strong performance against Duke.
- •The basketball program aims to regain its past national relevance.
- 10:57 PMESPN NCAAM — McNamara vows to restore Syracuse back to 'national relevance'
- 9:30 PMYahoo Sports — A Syracuse legend takes the reins: Gerry McNamara vows to restore the Orange to 'national relevance'
"(AP) — The basketball buzz is clearly back in Syracuse, thanks to a familiar face.Gerry McNamara, the ultracompetitive guard who helped guide the Orange to their only NCAA national championship in 2003 as a freshman, has been entrusted with restoring success to a once-proud program that has fallen on hard times and missed the last five NCAA Tournaments.
"New Syracuse men's basketball coach Gerry McNamara vows to restore the Orange back to "national relevance."
Sources
External links- ESPN NCAAMOct 7, 2026, 10:57 PMMcNamara vows to restore Syracuse back to 'national relevance'
New Syracuse men's basketball coach Gerry McNamara vows to restore the Orange back to "national relevance."
- Yahoo SportsOct 7, 2026, 9:30 PMA Syracuse legend takes the reins: Gerry McNamara vows to restore the Orange to 'national relevance'
(AP) — The basketball buzz is clearly back in Syracuse, thanks to a familiar face.Gerry McNamara, the ultracompetitive guard who helped guide the Orange to their only NCAA national championship in 2003 as a freshman, has been entrusted with restoring success to a once-proud program that has fallen on hard times and missed the last five NCAA Tournaments.
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