Jim Boeheim strongly endorses Siena's hiring of Gerry McNamara
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The hiring of Gerry McNamara as Siena basketball's next head coach has generated a lot buzz in the Capital Region, and rightfully so. The decision to bring in the former Syracuse University star has been met with much excitement and optimism, and one of the biggest supporters of the move is GMac's mentor, and one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all-time.
Syracuse coaching legend and Naismith Hall of Famer Jim Boeheim met with NEWS10 Sports this week in an exclusive, one-on-one interview, where he spoke at length about McNamara's fit within the Siena program.
Boeheim believes GMac is long overdue for a head coaching opportunity, and Siena has been on their radar as an ideal starting point for quite some time.
"We had talked about Siena in the past, and we talked about it this year," said Boeheim. "We've had conversations for a while now about...being a head coach, and what would be a good place. He never thought about anything else this year except trying to get to Siena. And that's what you want; you want somebody that wants to be there. He's gonna give everything he has every day, and I think it's a great fit."
McNamara played for four seasons under Coach Boeheim, and shared the bench with him for 14 - 12 as an assistant.
Few people know more about what McNamara brings to the table than Boeheim, and it appears Siena is getting a well-rounded, multi-faceted leader.
"He's put the time and effort in; he's really learned the game," said Boeheim. "He understands the total game - defense [and] offense. [He] specializes in working with guards, but he knows the whole program; he did as a player. He knew what Craig Forth had to do, or what [Carmelo Anthony] had to do."
Siena athletic director John D'Argenio said one of the primary attributes he would be looking for in the next head coach would be a strong ability to recruit both freshmen and transfer players.
McNamara checks that box, according to Boeheim.
"He's really become a great recruiter. He's really personable. He understands how to talk to the AAU coach; the parents; the kid himself. He understands who's out there in the transfer portal right now. He's working the transfer portal all the time. They're (Siena) really getting a complete package - a guy who can do everything, in terms of [engaging] the community, fan base; in terms of recruiting, and then coaching."
McNamara gave an impassioned speech as his introductory press conference at MVP Arena Tuesday. One of the lines that seemed to resonate the most with people was his message about his mission with the Siena program.
"Anyone that knows me knows why I'm here," said McNamara. "I'm here to win."
That gave Saints fans a glimpse of the fiery competitor GMac has been his whole career.
"He's probably as good a competitor as anybody I've ever been around," said Boeheim. "He competes hard at everything he does. I've had a lot of really tough, great competitors. I don't think I've known anybody that's a better competitor than Gerry McNamara. I think Siena will be really happy with what Gerry brings to the table."