Syracuse Adds Siena Transfer Gavin Doty in Coaching-Driven Move Syracuse men’s basketball has finalized a significant addition to its roster with the commitment of Siena standout Gavin Doty, according to a report from CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein. The 6-foot-5 guard, hailing from Fulton, New York, has joined the Orange as part of a strategic move that aligns with head coach Gerry McNamara’s vision for the program. The transfer, which had been widely anticipated since McNamara’s hiring, marks a pivotal step in shaping Syracuse’s future in the ACC. Doty, a key player for Siena during the 2023-2024 season, averaged 18 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. His performance earned him a spot on the First-Team All-MAAC squad, and he was also named the MAAC Tournament MVP after leading his team to the automatic bid for the NCAA Tournament. In a standout performance during the tournament, Doty helped Siena challenge the Duke Blue Devils in a tightly contested matchup, showcasing his ability to elevate his game under pressure. His proficiency at the free-throw line, with a career shooting percentage of 83.6%, further highlights his value as a versatile offensive threat. McNamara, who previously coached at Syracuse from 2003 to 2012, has emphasized the importance of building a team culture rooted in resilience and competitiveness. Doty’s recruitment is seen as a critical component of this strategy, as the coach aims to integrate players who can thrive in the demanding environment of the ACC. The Orange’s new addition is expected to play a central role in establishing the program’s identity under McNamara’s leadership.#ncaa_tournament #gerry_mcnamara #gavin_doty #maac_tournament #syracuse_men_s_basketball
Gavin Doty commits to Syracuse basketball Gavin Doty, a 6-5, 190-pound guard from Siena, has officially committed to Syracuse University’s basketball program. The decision marks a significant addition to the Orange’s roster, as Doty joins the team following his two seasons at Siena under head coach Gerry McNamara. A four-star transfer prospect ranked 46th in the transfer portal, Doty’s commitment was announced amid a flurry of other commitments, including Tiefing Diawara, who also pledged to Syracuse. Doty’s journey to Syracuse began during his high school years at Fulton High School, where he remained largely under the radar as a recruit. However, his potential caught the attention of McNamara, who was then an assistant coach at Syracuse. McNamara, now leading Siena, reached out to Doty after taking the head coaching position at the Saints, and the two developed a strong mentor-mentee relationship. This connection played a pivotal role in Doty’s decision to follow McNamara to Syracuse, a school where he had long rooted for as a fan. During his two seasons at Siena, Doty has shown marked improvement under McNamara’s guidance. Last season, he emerged as the Saints’ leading scorer, averaging 18.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. His shooting efficiency was notable, with a 46% field goal percentage and 33% three-point accuracy. This performance earned him a unanimous All-MAAC First Team selection, a testament to his impact on the court. Doty’s growth under McNamara’s coaching has been particularly evident in his shooting development. Despite increased minutes and a more demanding role, he has maintained his outside shooting ability while also refining his mid-range game and off-the-dribble skills.#syracuse_university #gerry_mcnamara #gavin_doty #siena #maac_conference
Duke And Siena Set For NCAA Tournament Clash In Greenville Duke will face the Siena Saints in the NCAA tournament on Thursday, marking the Blue Devils’ first game of the postseason. The matchup pits a heavily favored Duke team against a Siena squad that has shown significant improvement this season. Siena, coached by former Syracuse star Gerry McNamara, finished third in the MAAC with a 23-11 record and won its conference tournament, a marked contrast to their 14-18 campaign last year. Siena’s roster features a deep rotation with several key contributors. Gavin Doty, a 6-5 sophomore, leads the team with 17.9 points per game and 7 rebounds, while senior Justice Shoats averages 13.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.4 steals. Brendan Coyle, a 6-7 senior, excels as a rebounder with 10.3 boards per game, and freshman Francis Folefac, a 6-7/245 lb. forward, provides inside presence. Tasman Goodrick, a 6-10/230 lb. junior from Australia, adds versatility to the rotation. The Saints’ offensive approach is distinct, relying heavily on mid-range shooting rather than three-pointers. They score just 22% of their points from beyond the arc, ranking 357th nationally in three-point percentage. Their pace is among the slowest in the country, with Siena averaging just 67.7 points per game allowed defensively. The team’s man-to-man defense has been effective, holding opponents to 47.9% shooting at the rim in their last 10 games. Siena’s strategy includes pairing Folefac with senior guard Riley Mulvey, a 7-0/240 lb. player, to create a formidable inside presence. However, their slow tempo could be a liability against Duke’s fast-paced style. The Blue Devils, known for their ability to stretch the shot clock, may exploit Siena’s methodical approach.#duke_blue_devils #siena_saints #gerry_mcnamara #gavin_doty #justice_shoats
