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Oneida Today
By the People, for the People
Syracuse Adds Three New Assistant Basketball Coaches
One familiar name joins Gerry McNamara's staff as the Orange look to bounce back next season.
Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:04pm
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The new-look Syracuse coaching staff aims to rebuild the program through a fresh, innovative approach.Oneida TodaySyracuse University has officially announced the hiring of three new assistant basketball coaches to join head coach Gerry McNamara's staff. The most notable addition is former Orange center Arinze Onuaku, who had been rumored to be following McNamara from his previous job at Siena College. The other two new assistants are Ben Lee, also from Siena, and Ryan Daly, who comes over from VCU.
Why it matters
Syracuse basketball is looking to rebound after a disappointing season, and the addition of these three new assistant coaches, including a beloved former player in Onuaku, could provide a boost in recruiting and player development as the program aims to return to the NCAA Tournament.
The details
Arinze Onuaku, a standout center for Syracuse from 2006-2010, is returning to his alma mater to join Gerry McNamara's coaching staff. Onuaku had been an assistant at Siena College, where McNamara was the head coach before taking the Syracuse job. The other new assistants are Ben Lee, who also comes over from Siena, and Ryan Daly, who was an assistant at VCU last season.
- Onuaku, Lee, and Daly were all officially announced as new Syracuse assistant coaches on April 6, 2026.
The players
Arinze Onuaku
A former standout center for the Syracuse Orange from 2006-2010, Onuaku is returning to his alma mater to join the coaching staff after serving as an assistant at Siena College.
Gerry McNamara
The head coach of the Syracuse Orange basketball team, McNamara previously served as the head coach at Siena College before taking the Syracuse job.
Ben Lee
An assistant coach who is joining the Syracuse staff after previously working alongside Gerry McNamara at Siena College.
Ryan Daly
The newest assistant coach on the Syracuse staff, Daly comes over from VCU where he was an assistant coach last season.
What they’re saying
“We're thrilled to welcome Arinze back to Syracuse. His experience and connection to this program will be invaluable as we look to get back to the NCAA Tournament.”
— Gerry McNamara, Head Coach, Syracuse Orange Basketball
What’s next
The new-look Syracuse coaching staff will now turn their attention to recruiting and preparing the team for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
The takeaway
The additions of Arinze Onuaku, Ben Lee, and Ryan Daly to Gerry McNamara's staff provide the Syracuse basketball program with a mix of familiarity, experience, and new perspectives as they look to bounce back from a down year and return to the NCAA Tournament.
