Over the past handful of seasons, Syracuse Men’s Basketball, a once highly regarded program, has lost its way. After Adrian Autry failed to bring the Orange back to the glory days of his predecessor, the team decided to fire its head coach and reset. With the hiring of Syracuse legend Gerry McNamara as the new head coach, the program is attempting to reclaim its identity, inspiring hope among fans and supporters.
Syracuse Basketball: McNamara Restoring Orange’s Identity
Still in its early stages, McNamara’s early additions to the roster signal a shift from the patient approach of the last few years to a more aggressive attempt to make the team competitive now. Not only are the Orange making noise early in the offseason, but they are proclaiming their interest in a type, and already constructing a core. The acquisitions of Garwey Dual and Gavin Doty, along with the ability to retain Kiyan Anthony, demonstrate a desire to anchor the team’s system with high-motor, intelligent players and spark excitement for the upcoming season.
The Arrival of Garwey Dual
Allowing 74.3 points per game last season, Syracuse’s defense needs a makeover to become successful, especially when it comes to guarding the perimeter. Enter Dual, formerly from McNeese State, whose specialty lies on the defensive end. Regarded as one of the better defensive assets in the transfer portal, the 6’5″ guard can lock opponents down. His impact on Syracuse’s perimeter defense will be crucial in reducing points allowed and creating a more aggressive, disruptive style of play.
With the hopes of establishing Syracuse as a high-pressure defensive unit, McNamara needs players of Dual’s ilk. For McNeese State last season, Dual averaged 1.6 steals per game while finishing the campaign with a 2.58 assist-to-turnover ratio. Syracuse fans need no reminders of the state of the team’s backcourt over the past few seasons. Often suffering too many self-inflicted wounds, the program’s ineffectiveness limited its ceiling. Dual’s ability to force mistakes and cause pressure completely shifts the tone of the defense, allowing the unit to be more aggressive.
Doty Brings Offensive Boost
With Dual aboard to stabilize the defense, Doty joins his former Siena coach for a homecoming to spark the offense. Born in Fulton, New York, Doty came into his own under McNamara, earning a selection to the 2026 First Team All-MAAC and MVP of the conference tournament.
At 6’5″, Doty brings with him a knack for scoring and a reputation for physicality. Averaging 18 points per game last season, he provides a level of production the Orange have missed from the wing. These numbers immediately place him as a primary scoring option for the program. In addition to his raw scoring, Doty is also solid from the foul line, having nailed 85% of his free throws last season. Of course, the value of a reliable offensive weapon that can get to the line and connect on opportunities is obvious.
Rewatching as much Gavin Doty as I can right now, far from crazy to say this is a future NBA player. Showed no fear against an elite defender Dame Sarr and facing Maliq Brown in the back line. Solid size at a listed 6’5”. pic.twitter.com/ayyes5JK9P
— jeffonsports (@jeff_on_sports) March 21, 2026
Aside from his scoring, Doty is a fantastic rebounder, especially as a guard. For a team frequently on the wrong side of the board battle, his 6.9 rebounds per game are a welcome attribute. In McNamara’s system, a guard who can clean the glass enables an effective transition game.
The Legacy Factor
The portal has already provided Syracuse with some key additions for next season. That said, they would feel like less of a success if the Orange were unable to bring back Kiyan Anthony for his sophomore campaign.
Sports fans love a good historical connection. For Syracuse fans, there is no more precious time than their 2003 National Championship, led by freshman and now legend Carmelo Anthony. Of course, his son Kiyan is far more than just a legacy. He is a vital piece of the puzzle if the program wants to climb back to respectability in the ACC and inspire confidence in the team’s future.
As a freshman, Kiyan Anthony gave the team a solid secondary scoring option, averaging 8.0 points per game. Still getting comfortable in the high-level competition of the ACC, it was not all smooth sailing. Still, his best moments, especially his 19 points against Delaware State, demonstrated there is much more to unlock. McNamara’s proven track record of player development suggests that Anthony will continue to refine his shooting, decision-making, and leadership skills, potentially elevating his role this season.
Making Syracuse Basketball Relevant Again
With the hire of McNamara as its new head coach, Syracuse is signaling a reset in its program. The acquisitions of Dual and Doty, along with the retention of Anthony, are the first blocks laid in an attempt to get the Orange back towards the top of the ACC.
© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
