Siena coach Gerry McNamara has many memories from the arena where the Saints play their home games in Albany, New York.
He went to the Final Four playing for Syracuse, and he had some memorable moments at the arena. He also returned to watch a women's basketball game.
McNamara had his first news conference as Siena’s coach at MVP Arena and talked about the similarities he noticed from all those games.
McNamara said, “This place was rocking. That’s what I want.”
Siena wanted the same energy, and that's why they hired McNamara, a Syracuse icon, to take over their program last week after negotiations with the school.
“I’ve got a lot of people to thank, but I do want to address the fans, the alumni, the supporters,” McNamara said. “You know why I’m here. Anyone that knows me knows why I’m here. I’m here to win. Simple. That’s who I am. I’m here to win. It’s all I’ve ever tried to do as a coach, a player. Every day I walk in the gym, it’s with the intent to work to win.”
McNamara is replacing Siena alum Carmen Maciariello, who was fired after going 68-72 in five seasons at the school. Siena, a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference school that is about 150 miles east of Syracuse, went 4-28 this season.
It’s McNamara's first time as a head coach for a college team. He was a guard at Syracuse and joined the staff in 2009 and was promoted to associate head coach for the Orange when Adrian Autry took over for Boeheim a year ago.
The 40-year-old McNamara is the fourth-leading scorer in Syracuse history behind Lawrence Moten, Derrick Coleman and John Wallace. He played on Syracuse’s 2003 national championship team that was led by Carmelo Anthony.
“I’m happy for my brother,” Anthony said last week when McNamara’s hiring was announced.
Boeheim endorsed McNamara for the job just like he did when Siena hired former Syracuse player and assistant Louis Orr in 2000. “It’s a great starting point, and he’ll do a great job there,” Boeheim said.
McNamara is known as a recruiter, something he started during his introductory address. He challenged fans to buy season tickets, bring their kids, bring a friend to games.
“I promise that every team I put on the court will be prepared to play,” McNamara said. “That’s my goal here. I’m here to win. I can’t wait to get to work.”
