Following an illustrious career at Syracuse, Gerry McNamara has made the decision to transition to Siena, where he will assume the role of men’s basketball coach. This appointment serves as his inaugural venture as a collegiate head coach, succeeding his impressive two-decade tenure at Syracuse, where he excelled as both a player and an assistant before assuming the position of associate head coach for the Orange.
The announcement of McNamara’s recruitment by Siena was made public on Friday, subsequent to the departure of former coach Carmen Maciariello. McNamara’s extensive coaching experience dates back to 2009 when he initially joined the Syracuse staff as a graduate assistant. Last season, he was elevated to the role of associate head coach for the Orange.
At 40 years of age, McNamara is renowned as the fourth-leading scorer in Syracuse history, having made substantial contributions as a player to the team. His playing career was distinguished by his pivotal role in Syracuse’s 2003 national championship triumph, where he played a crucial part in the Orange’s victory over Kansas in the NCAA title game.
In a formal statement, McNamara conveyed his enthusiasm regarding his new position at Siena, expressing that he is “honored and excited to lead Siena College as the new head men’s basketball coach.” His exceptional performance as a player at Syracuse, coupled with his extensive coaching career, renders him a fitting choice for the role.
McNamara’s adeptness in recruiting is anticipated to be a valuable asset for Siena, particularly in light of the team’s recent performance. Siena’s win-loss record has not been optimal, and McNamara’s expertise will be instrumental in effecting a turnaround for the team. The school’s president, Chuck Siefert, voiced confidence in McNamara’s appointment, underscoring his championship pedigree and mentoring abilities as seamlessly aligning with the lofty expectations and tradition of Siena basketball.
The transition from Syracuse to Siena is not unprecedented, as numerous coaches have effectively shifted between the two institutions in the past. Furthermore, Siena has been recognized for catalyzing the successful careers of coaches at larger institutions.
Siena, a member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, holds optimism that McNamara’s leadership will pave the way for a resurgence for the team. The school’s supporters eagerly anticipate a return to championship success, with McNamara’s appointment being viewed as a significant stride in the right direction.
In summation, Gerry McNamara’s appointment as the head men’s basketball coach at Siena denotes a significant new chapter for both him and the institution. With his wealth of experience and established track record, he is poised to exert a lasting influence at Siena and propel the team to new echelons of achievement.