Overview
- Syracuse, which introduced McNamara on Monday at the JMA Wireless Dome, named the former star its ninth men’s basketball head coach before a crowd of more than 2,000.
- McNamara said he began by meeting support staff and academic advisors to gauge day-to-day habits and classroom progress, and he plans individual meetings with players to assess the roster.
- Athletic leaders pledged support, with AD Bryan Blair touting plans to “weaponize” the Dome and McNamara saying he has the financial resources to compete.
- Roster turnover is expected in the transfer-portal era as current players weigh options and possible additions from Siena are discussed as possibilities, not yet confirmed.
- His Siena rise — 23 wins, a MAAC title, and a near-upset of No. 1 Duke — propelled the hire, and he asked Siena to “get it right” on his successor while endorsing the retention of key assistants.