Syracuse has turned to a familiar face to get the program back on track.
The Orange hired former star guard Gerry McNamara and generated plenty of excitement heading into Monday’s season opener against visiting New Haven.
McNamara, one of the greatest players in Syracuse history, was a key contributor to the school’s only NCAA Tournament title back in 2003. However, that feels like a distant memory for the Orange, who have not reached the Big Dance since 2021 and are coming off a 15-17 campaign.
Kiyan Anthony, whose father Carmelo was McNamara’s co-star on the 2002-03 team, is now the team’s top returning scorer. He averaged 8.0 points as a freshman and will be counted on for a much larger scoring role.
“I’ve gotta get Kiy going,” McNamara said after an exhibition season in which Anthony struggled to find much success. “I’ve got to do a better job trying to get him in some actions and get him open looks.”
McNamara, a point guard in his heyday, will be keeping a close eye on Ryan Moesch, who appears ready to challenge Garwey Dual for playing time at the lead guard spot.
“Every game that we played, he’s come in and changed the game,” McNamara said of Moesch.
New Haven went 14-17 as a first-time Division I program last season. The Chargers played UConn, Penn State, Seton Hall, Boston College and Vanderbilt, losing to BC by four and the other four opponents by at least 23.
The Chargers lost their top three scorers from last season to the transfer portal, putting more pressure on Kheni Briggs (6.9 points) and Teshuan Steele (3.9).
“We have more depth at each position this year. We had a whole year to evaluate and recruit, and I think we have done a good job of bringing in good players, and maybe strength in numbers may be our calling card rather than having one good player,” said coach Ted Hotaling.