Syracuse University's new head coach, Gerry McNamara - RIch Barnes/Getty Images
Syracuse University officially named Gerry McNamara (G-Mac) the ninth head coach of the Syracuse Orange Men’s Basketball program on March 24. He formally coached the men’s team at Siena University for the last two seasons. It was time for one of Syracuse’s all-time greatest basketball players to come home.
While G-Mac has spent many years as a player and assistant coach for the Syracuse Orange, there are many reasons why he should be the team’s head coach. Many current players and fans agree. Let’s take a look at the reasons the Management made their clear choice.
G-Mac’s Beginning
G-Mac’s humble beginnings started at Bishop Hammond High School in his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania. He only stood at 6 feet 1, but he could shoot the rock and play with a tough edge. After his senior season, “The Pride of Scranton, Pennsylvania” chose Syracuse over Duke and Florida.
From the moment he arrived at Cuse, he became a fan favorite, along with Carmelo Anthony and Hakim Warrick. The 2002-03 Orange made it all the way to the National Title Game.
In the first half against Kansas, G-Mac exploded for six three-pointers, and the Orange led at halftime 53-42. Nevertheless, the Jayhawks came out in the second half with a press defense to rattle the Orange offense.
The Jayhawks cut the lead to 80-78. Then Kueth Duany made one of two free throws to put the Orange up three. After missing two free throws, the Jayhawks had a chance to tie the game. But Warrick made the block of the game. As a result, Cuse and G-Mac held on for their first and only National Championship.
As a result of his incredible four years as a starter for the Cuse, G-Mac has earned many accolades. He is the team’s unsurpassed leader in three-pointers made (400) and ranks “3rd” in assists (648), “2nd” in steals (258), and points (2,099).
He was also presented with the Dave Gavitt Award as championship MVP after guiding Cuse to the Big East Championship. In March of 2023, the University officially retired his “No. 3” jersey.
In 2008, G-Mac agreed to a visit with the Utah Jazz. He decided to play in Europe before coming home to coach his former team.
Assistant Coaching (2009-2024)
G-Mac returned to his alma mater, but this time wearing a suit and tie. He would become an assistant to head coach Jim Boeheim, alongside other assistants, including Mike Hopkins and Adrian Autry.
The Scranton native spent 15 years learning under Boeheim while building the team’s recruiting unit. He was also instrumental in preparing them for nine NCAA Tournaments. That included two Final Four stints in 2013 and 2016.
After the 2022-23 season, the Orange finally parted ways with the Hall of Fame Coach, and G-Mac stayed on with Autry being promoted to head coach.
With just one year serving under Autry, the young coach took his first head-coaching job at Siena University.
Siena University (2024-2026)
G-Mac led a great turnaround in year one with the Saints. With the team going just 4-28 in 2023-24, he improved their win total by 10, finishing 14-18. Even though they didn’t make the tournament in year one, that feat alone was considered masterful coaching.
In 2025-26, the Saints made the NCAA tournament, where they were up 43-32 at halftime, only to lose 71-65 to the No. 1-seeded Duke Blue Devils.
G-Mac made the right move to leave Syracuse to gain head coach experience, only to come back and coach at his alma mater.
While Autry was a former player at Cuse, too, it just didn’t work out with him as a head coach. The advantage G-Mac has, though, is that he was already a head coach who brought a lower-level University to the “Big Dance”.
Also, he is still a young coach compared to Autry, who was older and had no previous experience when he was promoted.
What will happen with a Beloved Player coming back to his Alma Mater?
Well, for sure, serving years under Boeheim and three with Autry didn’t work; the University is going back to the well with a former Cuse player who was another assistant coach under Boeheim.
G-Mac should work this time because he’s young, gritty, and wants to help get Cuse hoops back on top with the same toughness, resiliency, and accountability they had when he was a player under Boeheim.
It’s a good sign that Athletic Director Bryan Blair is committed to giving G-Mac the resources he needs to succeed. Especially after they announced that Syracuse will be playing a neutral-site non-conference game against the now-coached Bryan Hodgson of the Providence Friars.
Only time will tell, but as they say, “those who couldn’t make it in the NBA coach at their alma mater.”
great breakdown and very well presented – best of luck to a class program!!!
Thank you m d edwards, I appreciate your comment and support! I like you, hope that the Cuse kills it with McNamara leading the charge!