FILE: Following an NCAA college basketball game versus Wake Forest in Syracuse, New York, on Saturday, March 4, 2023, assistant coach Gerry McNamara of Syracuse makes remarks at his jersey retirement ceremony. After 20 years as an outstanding player, assistant, and finally associate head coach for the Orange, Gerry McNamara decided to leave Syracuse and signed a contract to become the next head coach at Siena. On Friday, March 29, 2024, Siena confirmed McNamara’s signing. This is his first season as a head coach at the collegiate level. (Adrian Kraus, File/AP Photo)
A former Syracuse star has been named the next men’s basketball coach at Siena College, which is hoping to return to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2010. A former Syracuse star has been named the next men’s basketball coach at Siena College, which is hoping to return to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2010.
During March Madness, Gerry McNamara stole the show as he led the Orange to their lone national championship in 2003.
He returned to downtown Albany on Tuesday with his spouse and kids to be officially presented as the next men’s basketball coach at Siena College at MVP Arena.
Longtime Syracuse assistant McNamara is the Saints’ seventh head coach since their previous trip to the dance. Mentoring
“Those who are acquainted with me understand my motivation for being here.” “I want to win,” he declared. Easy to understand. I am that person. I’m here to win. It’s all I’ve ever tried to do as a coach, a player, every day I step in the gym it’s with the intent to strive to win.”
Carm Maciariello, a Siena graduate who was let go after five seasons, is replaced by McNamara. This year, the Saints had a 4–28 record.
John D’Argenio, the athletic director of Siena, claims that McNamara is the ideal candidate to revitalize the team and was chosen following a nationwide search. The agreement’s terms were kept a secret.
“There should be more flags for Siena and her local fan base. We believe we have found the person who deserves more banners, as does the team and everyone present.
“By contributing to the promotion of the narrative of new generations of Saints, and by uniting the spirit of Siena among the community and the wider area, Siena basketball plays a major role,” he stated. “We’re not just chasing wins and titles as we set out on this journey together under Gerry’s direction—we’re chasing wins and titles, but not just wins and titles.”
The previous evening, Iowa and LSU squared off for a spot in the women’s Final Four, and forty-year-old McNamara claimed to have been at the sold-out game at MVP Arena.
What a setting. And I still recall what it was like to play in it. This is where I used to play. This place was really awesome. I want that,” he declared.
