Assistant men’s basketball coach Gerry McNamara ’06 has been promoted to associate head coach at his alma mater, according to the Syracuse University Athletics Department.
“I am pleased Gerry will remain on our staff,” said Syracuse Director of Athletics John Wildhack. “He’s earned this well-deserved promotion to Associate Head Coach. Gerry is an excellent recruiter and has done tremendous work developing our guards. I’m thrilled he will continue to grow his career at Syracuse.”
COACH AUTRY ON McNAMARA
“Our program is fortunate to be able to have a quality coach like Gerry McNamara,” said Autry. “He has symbolized the uniqueness of our program as a player and as an assistant coach. I am grateful to have him remain on our staff.”
COACH McNAMARA
“I appreciate the chance to continue to coach at Syracuse University and help Coach Autry build on the program’s history of success,” said McNamara. “The community has meant the world to my family and I over the years. I know as a staff we are eager to hit the ground running and get right to work.”
McNamara returned to Syracuse to join the coaching staff as a graduate assistant. In 2011-12, he was promoted to a full-time assistant coaching post. McNamara has worked primarily with Syracuse’s guards and as a recruiter and opponent scout.
Syracuse has made NCAA Tournament appearances in nine of his 14 seasons as an assistant and reached the Final Four in 2013 and 2016. He was part of the staff which guided the Orange to the Sweet 16 in 2018 and 2021.
DEVELOPING PRO PLAYERS
McNamara has coached NBA performers Buddy Boeheim (Detroit), Michael Carter-Williams (Orlando), Tyler Ennis (LA Lakers), Elijah Hughes (Portland), Cole Swider (LA Lakers) and Dion Waiters (LA Lakers).
He has also guided a number of Syracuse players who have competed in the NBA G-League and internationally, including Tyus Battle, Michael Gbinije, John Gillon, and Brandon Triche.
HIGH SCHOOL ALL-AMERICAN
McNamara finished his scholastic career at Bishop Hannan (Pa.) ranked seventh in career scoring (2,917 points) in Pennsylvania state history. Bishop Hannan finished as the state runner-up in 1998-99 and 1999-00. The Lancers, coached by John Bucci, won the 2002 PIAA Class AA Championship.
He was the 2002 Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year and earned 2002 Parade Fourth-Team All-America recognition. McNamara was the Associated Press (AP) Pennsylvania Player of the Year following his junior season and was a three-time AP Small School First-Team All-State pick.
McNAMARA’S PLAYING CAREER AT SYRACUSE
McNamara’s freshman season featured a journey all the way to the 2003 NCAA Championship, the first of four consecutive ventures into the NCAA Tournament for him.
In 2004-05, McNamara earned first-team All-BIG EAST Conference recognition and was named to the BIG EAST Conference All-Tournament Team. McNamara led the Orange to the 2006 BIG EAST Tournament championship and was presented with the Dave Gavitt Award as most outstanding player in the event. McNamara was a first-team all-conference selection again.
McNamara remains the Syracuse record holder in season (107) and career (400) 3-point baskets, and career free-throw percentage (.888) at Syracuse. He is one of six players to accumulate 2,000 career points with the Orange. McNamara’s 4,799 career minutes played is another school standard.
PROFESSIONAL PLAYING CAREER
McNamara pursued a career in the professional ranks and performed overseas and in the NBA Developmental League. He went to training camp with the NBA’s Utah Jazz in 2008 but was the last player released.
THE McNAMARA FAMILY
Gerry and his wife, Katie, reside in Syracuse with their two sons, Gerry and Patrick, and two daughters, Maggie and Grace.
https://cuse.com/news/2023/3/15/mens-basketball-mcnamara-promoted-to-associate-head-coach
