Gerry McNamara Takes Over at Syracuse as Orange Aim to End NCAA Tournament Drought

Syracuse basketball has entered a new chapter with Gerry McNamara at the helm, as the program icon takes on the task of reviving a team that has missed the NCAA Tournament for five consecutive years—the longest such stretch since the 1967-72 seasons. McNamara, a key member of the Orange's 2003 national championship squad, returns to his alma mater after two seasons as head coach at Siena, where he earned acclaim for his coaching acumen.

The transition follows the retirement of Jim Boeheim and three seasons under Adrian Autry that produced a 49-48 record. McNamara inherits a roster with only two returning players, and he will need to blend a mix of transfers and young talent to restore the program's stature.

Roster Overhaul and Key Additions

Among the returnees, sophomore forward Sadiq White, a former top-15 recruit, is expected to make a significant leap after averaging 6.1 points and 3.3 rebounds in limited starts last season. Kiyan Anthony, son of Syracuse great and McNamara's former teammate Carmelo Anthony, showed flashes as a freshman but must improve upon averages of 8.0 points on 39% shooting from the field and 25% from beyond the arc, mostly coming off the bench.

The Orange lost several key contributors from last year's team. Forward Donnie Freeman, who led the team with 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, transferred to St. John's, while point guard Naithan George, the assist leader, moved to Pitt. Nate Kingz, a 37% three-point shooter, signed a professional contract in Israel; defensive standout William Kyle III is pursuing an NBA opportunity; and JJ Starling is seeking a fifth year of eligibility.

To fill the gaps, McNamara has brought in a host of new faces. Projected starters include senior point guard Garwey Dual, a transfer from McNeese State who averaged 8.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.6 steals, and junior guard Gavin Doty, a Siena transfer who posted 18.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Guard Aiden Tobiason, a Temple transfer, adds scoring punch with 15.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, while 6-9 center Luke Wilson, a transfer from Appalachian State, was the Sun Belt's top shot blocker last season. Slovenian guard Mark Morano has the potential to develop into Syracuse's top offensive threat.

Schedule and Outlook

The Orange open the season on Nov. 2 against New Haven. Notable non-conference matchups include Indiana in Indianapolis on Nov. 9, St. John's at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 15, Oklahoma in the ACC-SEC Challenge on Dec. 1, Providence at TD Garden in Boston on Dec. 19, and Rutgers at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Feb. 6. In January, Syracuse will host Duke, Louisville, and North Carolina.

Syracuse posted a 29-36 record over the past two seasons, including 13-25 in ACC play, and finished 14th in the conference in back-to-back years. Autry is now an assistant at Virginia. Dual dislocated his collarbone during summer practice but is expected to be ready for the season opener. Last year, the Orange shot 33% from three-point range and 65% from the free-throw line.

Originally reported by yourvalley_net.