Syracuse Basketball: Gerry McNamara deserves consideration for SU boss

If you’re looking for a post about firing Syracuse Basketball Head Coach Jim Boeheim or calling for his retirement, this isn’t it. I’m not writing about wanting someone fired or retiring until they’re ready to do so and as a fan, my mentality is to just root for the coaches and players that represent my team.

If you choose to do so, it’s a free country and you have that choice but that’s not who I am or who I want to be. This doesn’t make me a better fan than you or you a worse one…this is just the mentality I prefer to have when I watch my Orange play as an escape from reality.

This also is not a hire Gerry McNamara or I quit as a fan piece. When that day comes to replace a guy who came to Syracuse as a player and in 1976 was named head coach, the decision will not be easy and no matter your choice, will likely come with good and bad responses to the choice selected.

This is simply a post talking about WHEN there is an opportunity to be the next head coach for the Syracuse University basketball team, I believe there are reasons Gerry McNamara deserves some serious consideration.

Syracuse basketball should seriously consider Gerry McNamara as its next head coach.

First off, let’s start with the belief that I think he’ll be a great blend of ultimate competitor and player’s coach. Gerry as a point guard helped lead this program on the court to not only a championship but also helped them with games when others thought he was “overrated.” How? That drive and determination to win and not being afraid to make the big play.

He’s also that guy that current players can relate to and talk to about playing and life and he can relate. He seems like the guy who will challenge you to beat him in a three-point shooting contest one day pushing you to play your best and then chat about life over Dunkin’ coffee the next day.

In fact, I’d bet if you’re a young player and asking him to make you better, he seems like that guy who will be on that court with you as long as it takes for you to get it.

Secondly, simply put, Gerry is Syracuse. Sure he was raised in Scranton, Pa., but GMac is as Syracuse as Syracuse gets. He knows the community, he knows the people and if you listen to TK99, ESPN Syracuse or even K-Rock in Syracuse, he is a great interviewee who isn’t afraid to tell you how he’s feeling but does so in a way that you know he cares about the players, the program and the fans as well.

And as the point guard of the 2003 National Championship team, this town accepts and loves him.

He’s also watched firsthand what works and what doesn’t. He’s studied film on, and scouted, opponents. He knows the legacy of the program and what it’s like to be the face of it in the best and worst of times. Nobody is more qualified to know how to motivate and work with players.

So when the time comes, I truly hope those in charge, including Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack, will not just put his name on the list out of a sense of respect. I hope they’ll talk to players and fans and realize Gerry might not only be the best option financially or on the court but also off the court as the next face of Syracuse basketball for many years to come.

Coach Boeheim once coached under former Syracuse Coach Roy Danforth and was prepared to go to Rochester when he left but instead, the Orange decided he was worth keeping and I hope Syracuse will repeat its past and give Gerry the same opportunity or at least very serious consideration for the position.