We are off and running for the Gerry McNamara era.
With the Syracuse legend just taking over as head coach of his alma mater, the pressure is on not only for him to get the Orange back to an elite level, but also to nail things out on the recruiting trail. Already, GMac is wasting no time in turning heads.
Syracuse's starting point guard plans to enter the transfer portal
That's because to start the new week, Syracuse has landed a commitment from Slovenian wing Mark Morano Mahmutovic. ESPN's Jonathan Givony was the first to break the news, which is certainly exciting for the Syracuse faithful. Mahmutovic is a top European prospect and he's known for his smooth shot from the outside:
NEWS: Mark Morano Mahmutovič has committed to Syracuse, agent Miško Ražnatović told DraftExpress.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 6, 2026
The 6'7, 19-year-old Slovenian wing is one of the top 2006-born European prospects — a career 39% 3-point shooter who finished 2nd in scoring at last summer's FIBA U18 Eurobasket. pic.twitter.com/GCvba80PQO
Mark Morano Mahmutovic has become the first Syracuse commit for the Gerry McNamara era
Mahmutovic plays for Kansai Helios Domzale in Slovenia and he's been quite the player of late. He'll make the move to Syracuse after (currently) averaging more than 13 points per game, while adding 2.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
While a lot of the focus is on the transfer portal for McNamara and his staff to reload, this sure feels like an intriguing get for the Orange. In recent years, we're seeing more and more international prospects make their way to the college game and it's paying off in a big way for programs.
Syracuse is hoping to have the same luck, as Mahmutovic will be ready to make an immediate splash in the ACC. The fact that he shoots nearly 40 percent from downtown alone is something that will have the Syracuse faithful quite excited about.
With the transfer portal officially opening soon, even more big news should be on the way for McNamara. Getting the first verbal pledge on the board always takes some pressure off of things. Could some more big news be coming for Syracuse in the coming days? Don't be surprised if it happens, as McNamara is not going to want to waste any time in reminding Syracuse fans that he 100 percent was the right man for the job.