The Syracuse Orange has brought one of its own to lead the basketball program, as Gerry McNamara has been introduced as the school’s new head coach. He played for Syracuse between 2002 and 2006, and was a member of the 2003 national championship team by the Orange, the only one in program history.
In his introductory press conference, McNamara opened up about what he’s looking to do with the current Syracuse roster. For him, this isn’t necessarily a cleaning house but a review:
“The cupboard ain’t bare here, guys,” McNamara said. “I’ve watched this group. There’s some talent with this roster.”
Nonetheless, it’s clear that he’s here to win, and that could bring about important changes:
“Anybody that knows me, knows why I’m here,” McNamara said “I’m here to win. It’s who I am; and it’s who I will always be.”
For Gerry McNamara, this is his second-ever head coaching gig, having coached Siena between 2024 and 2026, having just won a MAAC Tournament title.
Here are some players that McNamara could bring to Syracuse to strengthen his roster.
Top Targets to Watch for Gerry McNamara’s Syracuse
#3 Anton Bonke
Now junior Anton Bonke has just finished his first full season as a starter with the Charlotte 49ers. He spent his freshman year with the Big East’s Providence Friars, playing in 16 games and starting in one, after which he swapped things to the American. Playing in 34 games and starting in 32, Bonke averaged 10.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and one assist per game. He also had a field goal percentage of 57.6%. He could add a bit of depth to the Syracuse Orange of McNamara, while getting a chance to play in a Power Four program.
#2 Jake Fiegen
Fiegan just capped his best season with Cornell this junior year, earning All-Ivy League and Ivy League All-Tournament team honors. Why might he not consider a final senior year in a Power Four school? In 2025-26, Fiegen averaged 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, while having a 54.6% field goal percentage. He would be another player to add depth to the Syracuse Orange.
#1 Jackson Shelstad
After two and a half seasons as a starter at Oregon, and following an injury in the 2025-26 season, Shelstad has decided to leave Eugene through the transfer portal. Through 79 games played and 77 starts, Shelstad averaged 13.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. His field goal percentage was a 43.9% through the three seasons. The guard was a Pac-12 All-Freshman Team selection in 2024 and a Third Team All-Big Ten selection in 2025. He could become a reliable starter for McNamara at Syracuse.
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