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
Syracuse reportedly targeting former player Gerry McNamara as its next men's basketball coach Syracuse University is finalizing a deal to hire former player Gerry McNamara as its next men’s basketball head coach following the dismissal of Adrian Autry. The move comes after Syracuse finished the 2025-26 season with a 15-17 record and a six-game losing streak, including four consecutive losses to unranked opponents. McNamara, who previously coached Siena to a 23-12 record and an NCAA tournament berth, is set to replace Autry, who led the Orange for his first season after taking over from legendary coach Jim Boeheim. McNamara’s coaching career at Siena saw the Saints improve from 14-18 in his debut season to 23-12 in 2025, securing a spot in the MAAC tournament. The team advanced to the NCAA tournament, where they faced No. 1 Duke in a historic matchup. Despite a 71-65 loss, Siena led Duke by 11 points at halftime, the largest halftime lead ever recorded by a No. 16 seed against a No. 1 team. However, the Saints’ depth was severely impacted when starter Antonio Chandler was ruled ineligible, a decision the NCAA attributed to an “institutional mistake” by Siena. Before joining Siena, McNamara spent his entire college coaching career at Syracuse, returning in 2009 as a graduate manager and later serving as an assistant. He became associate head coach for the 2023-24 season. McNamara’s playing career at Syracuse included a standout 2003 NCAA championship season, where he averaged 13.3 points per game as a four-year starter and a three-time All-Big East selection. Autry’s first season as Syracuse’s head coach saw the Orange go 20-12, but the team’s performance declined to 14-19 in 2024-25. Syracuse has not advanced beyond the Sweet 16 since 2021 and has not secured an NCAA tournament berth higher than a No.#syracuse_university #gerry_mcnamara #adrian_autry #jim_boeheim #maac_tournament
