A program’s identity is often forged in its championship moments. Syracuse is betting its future on that very idea, turning to a key figure from its 2003 national championship run, spearheaded by Carmelo Anthony, to reignite a program that has lost its way. The Orangemen are looking for a new coach after the firing of Adrian Autry. A three-year 49-48 run without an NCAA Tournament invitation led to the program losing faith in him, and as a result, they’ve reportedly found a suitable familiar replacement.

According to reports from basketball insider Joe Tipton of On3, Syracuse is expected to hire Siena basketball head coach Gerry McNamara as its next HC. He made 135 career starts at the program and averaged 13.3 points as a true freshman back in 2003. McNamara is also the school’s all-time leader in three-pointers and minutes played. Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack had already made his preference quite clear before starting on the recruitment hunt.

“This is one of the most storied programs in college basketball, and we intend to hire a proven winner who will build on that legacy,” Wildhack said. “We are looking for a coach who can recruit at the highest level, develop players, and compete for championships, conference, and national. Syracuse fans deserve nothing less, and that is exactly what we are going to deliver.” He is looking to leave the program in safe hands before retiring on July 1st. And this is exactly where Anthony’s former teammate comes right in with his tactics.

McNamara’s return to Syracuse will also reunite him with his friend and former colleague, Carmelo Anthony, and his son, Kiyan, who is navigating college. The guard is averaging eight points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists while shooting 39.9% from the field across nearly 19 minutes per game this seasonn. The freshman has shown promise, but has yet to reach his full potential, and G-Mac’s relationship with the Anthonys can help him reach his target.

McNamara Can Be The Solution For The Oranges

Gerry McNamara was on the verge of doing the impossible: knocking out basketball powerhouse and No. 1 seed Duke right out of the tournament. But that wasn’t to be. Six points proved to be the difference maker, but at the end of the day, it was the fight of a 16th seed that won over the masses, and the David vs. Goliath story couldn’t have been written any better. Even with a handicap, injuries forced McNamara to basically play five players for all 40 minutes.

People were watching, and so were programs in need of a new coach, and now they may have found someone who is very well the perfect candidate for the role. His team’s gritty performance against the No. 1 seed Duke likely served as a final audition, one he passed with flying colors.

It was also McNamara’s second season with Siena, and that didn’t make him nervous. He showed his fearlessness on the frontlines against Jon Scheyer’s boys. In fact, Scheyer even admitted, “G-Mac, he outcoached me.” He can channel that same level of confidence to Syracuse, which has been lacking for the last few years.

McNamara knows the program well and spent 15 years under Jim Boeheim and Autry, so there is already familiarity with the management and coaching side of things. Coincidentally, he and Carmelo Anthony were part of the roster that won the Oranges their last NCAA championship. Melo had a game-high 20 points in that historic final game, and Gerry had 18 points to his credit as the duo narrowly warded off Kansas, 81-78.

Those stories of camaraderie and greatness will undoubtedly motivate the team, coming from a coach who has been there and done that. McNamara brings a championship pedigree and a deep understanding of the program’s culture. The key will be whether he can translate his recent success at Siena to the demanding ACC environment and restore the Orange as a perennial contender.