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David Hale
Multiple Authors
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Siena’s head coach, Gerry McNamara, acknowledged the “inevitable” speculation linking him to the open Syracuse coaching position, yet affirmed his sole concentration this week remains on the Saints’ initial NCAA tournament game versus top-seeded Duke.
“My current standing is that I’m participating in the NCAA tournament as a head coach for the very first time, and I have the privilege to lead Siena University, and the players in that changing room merit this chance,” McNamara stated on Wednesday. “That is precisely where my concentration lies. Throughout this season, these athletes have dedicated their all to me daily, and they are entitled to my undivided focus, which they absolutely have.”
McNamara, an alumnus of Syracuse and a key player on their 2003 national championship squad, served for 15 years as an assistant coach for the Orange before taking the head coaching role at Siena last year. This season, he has guided the Saints to a 23-11 overall record, notably securing the MAAC tournament title.
His achievements at Siena, combined with his strong connection to the Syracuse program, naturally placed McNamara among the leading contenders to succeed Adrian Autry, who was dismissed following two consecutive losing seasons.
“The truth is, my name is being mentioned due to [Siena’s achievements],” McNamara explained. “That’s my perspective on it. When you have talented players, coach them effectively, and achieve victories, everyone receives acknowledgment. Given the vacant coaching position and our accomplishments over the past week, I believe speculation was bound to arise.”
Syracuse hasn’t participated in the NCAA tournament since 2021, a significant decline from the program’s peak during the 2000s when McNamara orchestrated plays for Carmelo Anthony, Hakim Warrick, and their teammates. As a four-year starter, McNamara guided the Orange to four consecutive tournament berths.
After his playing days, he spent over ten years alongside his former coach, Jim Boeheim, progressing from a graduate assistant to eventually becoming the assistant head coach.
McNamara stated that the wisdom imparted by Boeheim would guide his strategy for Thursday’s contest against Duke, as Siena aims to become only the third No. 16 seed ever to upset a No. 1 seed in the tournament’s history.
“During my time at Syracuse under Coach Boeheim, our preparation methods were consistently identical,” McNamara recalled.
“I’ve often mentioned that the most significant lesson I absorbed from him over the years was the unwavering consistency of each day. Many aspects were identical daily, repetitive, constantly reiterated. I’ve adopted much of that approach. Now, while I implement it in my distinct style, it feels entirely normal this week to prepare them precisely as we did for the [MAAC tournament].”
It’s worth noting: McNamara verified that the Saints will be without Antonio Chandler, whom the NCAA deemed ineligible due to an “institutional error” on the part of the university.