Former Syracuse University basketball star Gerry McNamara has been promoted from assistant coach to associate head coach for the Orange, according to the SU Athletics Department.

As a freshman, McNamara played a key role in SU's run to the 2003 national championship. He'd reach four consecutive NCAA tournaments with the Orange, and led the team to the 2006 Big East tournament crown. He holds school records for 3-pointers in a season, with 107; and career, with 400. He is one of six Orange players to score 2,000 career points.

McNamara returned to Syracuse to join the coaching staff as a graduate assistant before he was promoted to full-time assistant coach for the 2011-12 season. He joins fellow Syracuse basketball alumnus Adrian Autry, who has succeeded Jim Boeheim has head coach.

“Our program is fortunate to be able to have a quality coach like Gerry McNamara,” said Autry. “He has symbolized the uniqueness of our program as a player and as an assistant coach. I am grateful to have him remain on our staff.”

Syracuse has made NCAA Tournament appearances in nine of McNamara's 14 seasons as an assistant and reached the Final Four in 2013 and 2016. He was part of the staff that led the Orange to the Sweet 16 in 2018 and 2021.

“I appreciate the chance to continue to coach at Syracuse University and help Coach Autry build on the program’s history of success,” said McNamara. “The community has meant the world to my family and I over the years. I know as a staff we are eager to hit the ground running and get right to work.”

The Orange have gone to nine NCAA tournaments with McNamara on staff, including Final Four runs in 2013 and 2016.

In related news, former Notre Dame guard JJ Starling has announced his transfer to Syracuse. Starling, a Baldwinsville native, will be the first recruit to play under Autry.