McNamara Takes Orange Helm: ‘We’ll Get Right Guys!’

McNamara Takes Orange Helm: ‘We’ll Get Right Guys!’

Gerry McNamara is coming home. The former Syracuse star, now the new head coach of Syracuse basketball, is ready to bring the energy back to the storied program. McNamara, who played for the Orange from 2002-2006 and led them to a national title in 2003, spent over a decade on the coaching staff before heading to Siena.

“A lot of emotion, you know, really kind of surreal,” McNamara said of hearing his new title. “When I think about my journey as a player, as an assistant coach, you know, all the years I’ve poured into the program. To hear that just it’s really kind of hard to believe.” He added, “but just so grateful, so so blessed. But more importantly than anything, really, really excited.”

Turning Around Siena

McNamara was a candidate to succeed Jim Boeheim three years ago, but Adrian Autry got the job. McNamara then spent the last two years turning around Siena. The Saints were 4-28 the year before he arrived, and he led them to the NCAA tournament just two years later. He sees similarities between his task at Siena and what lies ahead at Syracuse.

“You know, really similar to, you know, what I’m about to do,” McNamara explained. “I think a program that needs rejuvenation, a little bit of excitement, a little energy.” He also noted the strong fan support at Siena, which he believes is much like the passionate Syracuse fanbase.

Getting the Right Guys

Syracuse has missed the NCAA tournament for five straight years. McNamara knows the immediate priority is clear. “We’ve got to get the right guys in,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of players with the right mentality and a deep respect for the Syracuse brand.

“The Syracuse brand is important to them. Represent their families a certain way is important to them. The character of who they are,” McNamara said. “I’ve always said how you play is a representation of who you are as a person. And I try to instill that with the teams that I work with, teams I coach, and my team did that this year.”

The Dome’s Magic

McNamara remembers the electric atmosphere of the Carrier Dome during his playing days. Over 33,000 fans packed the arena for his senior day against Villanova. “There’s nothing like it. There’s nothing like it in the sport,” he said.

“When you walk into the dome for a big game, it’s not a basketball game. It’s like an event. It’s like walking into a Super Bowl, you know, a Final Four,” McNamara described. “There is a lot of great venues in college sports. The dome when it’s rocking, there is no place like it.”

Melo’s Blessing

Former teammate and Syracuse legend Carmelo Anthony praised McNamara’s hiring on his podcast. McNamara believes Anthony is the program’s best ambassador. “No one has accomplished more,” McNamara stated, referencing Anthony’s national championship in his lone college season.

“He’s the best ambassador of our program,” McNamara continued. “No one has accomplished more and such, you know, the one year he’s there, he goes and wins a national championship. I was very fortunate to get the opportunity to play alongside of him.” With Anthony’s son, Kiyan, now in the program, his involvement is even more significant. “He’s had a genuine love for Syracuse University,” McNamara added. “The more he’s around our program, obviously it brings more eyes to the attention of it.”

Work Starts Now

McNamara is eager to get to work. He understands that rebuilding the Orange into a basketball powerhouse will require immediate and sustained effort. “I appreciate it. You know, as well as anybody, the work starts right away. There’s no rest,” he said. “So, we’re getting to work right away.”

Source: Gerry McNamara says NO ONE has accomplished more than Carmelo Anthony for Syracuse 🙌 | SportsCenter (YouTube)