Siena Coach Gerry McNamara Reflects on 2003 Syracuse Title Run

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Siena head coach Gerry McNamara is a legend in upstate New York, having led Syracuse to a national championship as a freshman in 2003 alongside Carmelo Anthony. McNamara spent his entire college playing career at Syracuse from 2002-06, averaging over 13 points per game each season and cementing his legacy with a standout performance in the national title game against Kansas. Though Syracuse has struggled in recent years, McNamara's name has been floated as a potential replacement for the head coaching job at his alma mater.

Why it matters

McNamara's success at Syracuse, where he was a key part of the 2003 national championship team, has made him a highly sought-after coach. His work at rebuilding Siena into an NCAA Tournament contender has only added to his reputation, and his potential return to Syracuse would be a homecoming for a beloved figure in upstate New York basketball.

The details

As a freshman in 2003, McNamara averaged 13.3 points per game and shot 35.7% from 3-point range, helping lead Syracuse to the national title. He became an even bigger offensive focal point in his sophomore and junior seasons, averaging over 17 points per game, though Syracuse failed to make it past the first round of the NCAA Tournament in his final two years. McNamara's 18-point performance in the 2003 national championship game, with six made 3-pointers in the first half, is one of the most memorable individual performances in Syracuse history.

• McNamara played at Syracuse from 2002 to 2006.
• Syracuse won the national championship in 2003, McNamara's freshman season.
• McNamara became Siena's head coach in 2024.

What they’re saying

What’s next

McNamara's Siena team is set to face Duke in the NCAA Tournament, with a potential return to Syracuse as the head coach looming as a possibility if the Orange continue their search for a new leader.