Gerry McNamara has been named the 19th head coach in Siena College Men's Basketball history. The Syracuse University legend and 2003 National Champion takes over the reins of the Saints after spending the past 15 years on staff with the Orange.
McNamara will be formally introduced at a press conference on Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the atrium of MVP Arena. The press conference will be streamed live on Siena All-Access at sienasaints.com/watch.
"I want to thank President Seifert and Athletic Director John D'Argenio for this incredible opportunity," said McNamara. "I am so honored and excited to lead Siena College as the new head men's basketball coach. My family and I can't wait to get started and embrace Siena and the Capital Region."
The 40-year-old McNamara arrives in Loudonville after spending the past 15 years on staff at Syracuse. He reunited with his Basketball Hall of Fame Head Coach Jim Boeheim as a graduate assistant in 2009 at his alma mater, before being promoted to a full-time assistant in 2011. This past season, McNamara was elevated to associate head coach under new Syracuse Head Coach Adrian Autry.
In his 15 seasons on staff, McNamara helped guide Syracuse to nine NCAA Tournament appearances, highlighted by trips to the Final Four in both 2013 and 2016. Primarily charged with recruiting, scouting, and guard development, McNamara mentored current NBA performers Buddy Boeheim (Detroit Pistons) and Cole Swider (Miami Heat), and former players Michael Carter-Williams, Tyler Ennis, Michael Gbinije, Elijah Hughes, and Dion Waiters.
"In the rich tapestry of Siena College's history, both on and off the basketball court, this moment marks a pivotal chapter as we welcome Gerry McNamara to lead our Saints," said Siena College President Dr. Charles "Chuck" Seifert. "Gerry's illustrious career and championship pedigree at Syracuse University, paired with his exceptional skills in mentoring young talent, align perfectly with the high expectations and storied tradition of Siena Basketball. His appointment is not just about restoring championship success – a standard our fans rightly anticipate – but it also symbolizes Siena's ascent in the broader collegiate landscape. Under Gerry's guidance, we are not just aiming for victories on the court; we are bolstering our College's growing reputation for excellence. With record enrollment, rising national rankings, a coveted student experience inside and outside the classroom, and expanding brand recognition, Siena stands at the threshold of a new era. Gerry's leadership of our men's basketball program is a testament to our commitment to excellence, embodying the spirit of our community and the forward trajectory of our institution. Together, we look forward to celebrating the successes that lie ahead, rooted in the Franciscan Mission and values that define us."
One of the most decorated players in the storied Syracuse history, McNamara is the program's all-time career record holder for made threes (400), free throw percentage (.888), and minutes played (4,799), and ranks second all-time in steals (258), third in assists (648), fourth in scoring (2,099), and sixth in made free throws (435). He started all 135 career games played spanning his illustrious career from 2002-06, and led the Orange in made threes and assists in all four seasons, which each culminated in NCAA Tournament appearances. McNamara had his No. 3 jersey retired by Syracuse on Mar. 4, 2023.
McNamara was a unanimous BIG EAST All-Rookie Team selection and was named to the All-Final Four Team after scoring 18 points on six threes vs. Kansas in the title tilt to lead Syracuse to a National Championship as a freshman in 2003. He earned Second Team All-BIG EAST honors during his sophomore season where he set program NCAA Tournament records with 43 points and nine made threes vs. BYU, and was a First Team All-BIG EAST and BIG EAST All-Tournament Team selection after guiding the Orange to their first of back-to-back BIG EAST Tournament Championships as a junior in 2005.
McNamara wrapped up his magnificent collegiate playing career by earning Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American acclaim as a senior, while also being the recipient of the 2006 Chip Hilton Player of the Year Award, presented annually by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to a senior Division I men's basketball player who demonstrates outstanding character, leadership, and talent. He once again was named a First Team All-BIG EAST honoree, and received the Dave Gavitt Award as the 2006 BIG EAST Tournament MVP after helping Syracuse become the first team in conference history to win four games to take the trophy.
"We are ecstatic to welcome Gerry, Katie, and their children into our Siena community," said Siena College Vice President and Director of Athletics John D'Argenio. "Gerry has a great track record for recruiting and developing talented players, and he has a passion for basketball that will resonate with our fan base. His knowledge for the game and coaching acumen will position us to compete for MAAC Championships."
McNamara won a gold medal representing the United States in the 2005 World University Games in Turkey. Following his collegiate playing career, he was the No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2006 United States Basketball League draft by the Northeast Pennsylvania Breakers. McNamara pursued a career in the professional ranks, performing overseas and in the NBA Developmental League, while also attending training camp with the Utah Jazz in 2008.
McNamara graduated from Syracuse in 2006 with his Bachelor's degree in Speech Communications. A native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, he was a two-time Associated Press Pennsylvania State Player of the Year (2001, 2002) and the 2002 Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year and Parade Fourth Team All-American while starring at Bishop Hannan (now known as Holy Cross). McNamara finished his scholastic career seventh all-time in scoring in Pennsylvania state history with 2,917 career points. McNamara and his wife, Katie, are the proud parents to four children: sons Gerry and Patrick, and daughters Maggie and Grace.
