Story by
Gerry McNamara has perfect answer for Syracuse’s March Madness slump
- Story by
- Gerry McNamara has perfect answer for Syracuse’s March Madness slump
Gerry McNamara has perfect answer for Syracuse's March Madness slump appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Syracuse basketball dipped to the past in landing Gerry McNamara for its head coach opening . McNamara played on Orange teams led by Jim Boeheim and became used to March Madness runs.
Advertisement
McNamara enters a much different Orange program, however. This one hasn't seen the NCAA Tournament since 2020-21 .
A graduating senior asked about the tourney slump Monday. This sports journalism major admitted he never saw Syracuse play in March Madness during his time as a student .
"I came back to change that," McNamara bluntly said, via the ACC Network.
The incoming head coach added how "it's a shame" that Syracuse has created a streak of missing the madness.
"Part of college in being a student at Syracuse is the basketball team needs to be good," McNamara said. "That should be non-negotiable. It should be part of your journey as a student. It should be so much fun because the basketball team is so good."
Advertisement
He included how "the place was jumping" when he played in front of the Orange crowd. McNamara sent one more message.
"I'm going to do my best to work my rear end off to change it," McNamara added.
He'll need to address the roster immediately. McNamara took the first step by meeting with prominent Syracuse figures . Including learning about the player's academics and their time management habits.
He must lean into the College Basketball Transfer Portal to fill his first Orange roster. Perhaps Siena players will jump over and join the now former Saints head coach.
McNamara immediately is operating in a much different CBB compared to the time he shot hoops for the national title winner Boeheim. But his goal is bringing the Orange back into the 68-team field by 2027.
Related: Gerry McNamara's 1 request to Siena after accepting Syracuse job
Related: Biggest matchup UConn must exploit to take down Illinois in Final Four
