NCAA Basketball: 10 college assistants poised to become head coaches
By Joey Loose
4. Gerry McNamara – Syracuse
The list of Syracuse assistants becoming head coaches is not a very long list (Rick Pitino and Mike Hopkins are the headliners), but loyalty to Jim Boeheim may not be enough to keep McNamara at Syracuse permanently. The young coach played for the Orange and returned as a graduate assistant following a brief international playing career. He’s been a full-time assistant since 2011 and has been a vital part of Boeheim’s bench, especially since Hopkins’ departure for Washington two seasons ago.
McNamara’s journey at Syracuse began with a national championship in 2003, his freshmen year as a player. He became a talented guard and excellent shooter, transferring those talents onto the court. He’s tutored Orange shooters like Michael Carter-Williams and Tyler Ennis. He’s been a critical part of the recruiting and coaching, helping lead Syracuse to Final Four bids in 2013 and 2016. Their next class may not be as prolific, but he was the key recruiter in landing Joe Girard III, one of the best shooters to every come out of New York.
In time, McNamara could slide into a similar role that Hopkins held, perhaps even becoming the head coach in waiting. Syracuse is all that McNamara knows, but that doesn’t mean he won’t seek other opportunities in the future. His work with guards and his ability to recruit combine with his years learning under Boeheim; he’s a fantastic candidate, especially if he moves on before Boeheim retires.