McNamara's Siena Stuns Duke, NCAA Buzz for Syracuse

0:00On March 20, Sienna basketball coach Jerry McNamara is turning heads in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. His team shocked everyone by jumping to a 43-23 halftime lead over Duke in the first round. McNamara took over the Saints in 2024, and after a 14-18 rookie year, he guided them to a 23-11 record. This season for their first tournament trip under him. Earlier this week in Greenville, South Carolina, Sienna entered his huge underdogs, but put up a real fight against the powerhouse Blue Devils. McNamara Squad showed grit from the tip-off, proving his quick turnaround at the program is no fluke. Fans and media are buzzing about McNamara's future, especially with his alma mater Syracuse. His number three jersey hangs in the rafters there from his playing days, and many say he's the perfect fit to replace recently fired coach Adrian, Otrie, who went 49 and 48 over three years without an NCAA bid. Social media lit up with calls for Syracuse to hire him immediately, winner lose this game.

1:04Experts agree his performance has him at the top of their list. McNamara brushed off the talk, saying his full focus stays on Sienna, and these players who have given everything this season. Expect Syracuse to come calling once the tournament wraps, but for now, he's all in on this Cinderella run.