Jerry McNamara is back at his old school, with strong backing from Syracuse icon Carmelo Anthony.
Anthony, whose son Kiyan is a freshman at Syracuse, expressed confidence that McNamara will help Kiyan reach his full potential. “Jerry is going to get something out of Kai,” Anthony mentioned during a recent podcast, adding that his main objective would be to instill confidence in Kiyan. He emphasized the need to rejuvenate the program.
Having been part of the 2003 national championship team alongside McNamara, Anthony believes the school’s decision to hire him was a wise one. McNamara had a successful run at Siena, leading them to their second NCAA Tournament, where they put up a good fight against Duke before ultimately falling 71-65.
Anthony, reflecting on McNamara’s background, noted that it was a fitting choice considering McNamara’s extensive experience and ties to the university. “At 42, he’s still young but knowledgeable, having spent 15 years with one of the best coaches in the sport,” he remarked. “He’s earned the chance to show what he can do.”
Anthony also indicated that while there were other qualified candidates, selecting someone with a deep connection to Syracuse made sense. “If everyone else is similar, why not choose the one who truly has a passion for the program?”
McNamara officially became the head coach on March 22. In a statement, he expressed his deep affection for Syracuse and its community, asserting, “This program has given me everything, and I’m ready to give everything back.”
Kiyan Anthony, a four-star recruit, had a notable, though challenging, freshman season, averaging eight points with a shooting percentage of 39.9 while mostly coming off the bench. He did demonstrate his shooting ability, scoring 19 points in a game against Delaware State this past season.
In previously shared insights, ESPN analysts have suggested that while Kiyan has the potential to join the NBA, it might be wiser for him to hone his skills at the college level for another year. One analyst pointed out the heavy expectations faced by legacies like Kiyan, advising patience. “It’s about doing what’s right and not getting caught up in others’ timelines,” they noted.
Another analyst highlighted Kiyan’s considerable talent, emphasizing that while he has room to grow, this is typical for someone so young.
