Gerry McNamara was arguably the greatest clutch shooter in Syracuse basketball history. He was known for hot streaks where he could single handedly beat an opponent (against BYU in the 2004 NCAA tournament he set an SU record with 43 points in leading the Orangemen to victory), and he only needed a glimpse at the basket to get his shot off. "GMac" was an outstanding free throw shooter, setting the Big East single season record his freshman year at 90.9%, led the league three years in a row, and was the all-time conference free throw shooter.

The pleasant surprise with GMac was his ability to solidly play the point guard position. Unexpectedly thrust into role as the starting point guard his freshman year as a result of Billy Edelin's suspension, GMac started every game of the season at the point, and was a key factor in the NCAA Championship season. He tied an NCAA record with 6 three point baskets in the first half of the championship game; an injury shortly before half time shut him down for the second half.

A scrappy player, and one of the most popular players in Syracuse history, McNamara was named to the Big East third team his sophomore year, and the Big East first team his junior and senior years. Busloads of fans would drive up to the Carrier Dome to see 'The Mayor of Scranton' play each home game.

By his senior season, McNamara had already locked in the 'clutch' reputation. Injuries and constant double teams slowed him down. And he did not always make the correct decisions when playing the point, but come crunch time, he would make the right play. McNamara made the 2006 Big East tournament his personal highlight film, with one of the greatest tournament performances ever.

Syracuse needed to win a couple of Big East tournament games that year to qualify for the NCAA tournament. Syracuse trailed Cincinnati by two points in the first round of the Big East Tournament with time expiring. McNamara drove the length of the court, past two defenders, and launched a one handed running three point shot to win the game as time expired! The next evening, Syracuse faced #1 ranked Connecticut. Again, as time expired, McNamara hit a three point shot to send the game into overtime (a game Syracuse would eventually win). The third night, Syracuse faced perennial rival Georgetown, and Syracuse trailed by 15 at the half. McNamara hit five three pointers in the second half, including one with a minute to go, to tie the game up. Then as time expired he threw a beautiful bounce pass to Eric Devendorf who scored to win the game. Finally, against Pittsburgh on the fourth night (and the championship game), Syracuse got out to a big lead. Pittsburgh climbed back into the game, and took their first lead with 10 minutes to go. McNamara promptly hit a three point shot on the next possession, and the Orange never trailed again on their way to the title. McNamara was named the Big East Tournament MVP for his heroics.

Unfortunately, his last game would end on a down note. In the NCAA tournament against Texas A&M, McNamara's injury flared up, and he struggled to play. After only 23 minutes of playing time, he sat on the bench for the last seven minutes, despite the fact Syracuse was in a close game. The Orangemen would end up losing and GMac's career would be done.

His fingerprints are all over the Syracuse record book, as he set the SU career marks for free throw percentage, three point shots made and minutes played. He finished as the fourth all-time leading scorer, third in assists, and second in steals. Most importantly he left behind a legacy of thrilling Syracuse fans for four seasons.

McNamara played basketball over in Greece following graduation. He would leave that team early in the season and play most of 2006-2007 for the Bakersfield Jam of the NBDL. At the end of 2007, he would return to the Greek league.

McNamara would return to Syracuse for his graduate degree and serve as a graduate assistant coach from 2009-2011. In 2011 he was elevated to an assistant coach, which he held until 2024.

McNamara was named the head coach of Siena's basketball in the spring of 2024.

McNamara was awarded the Vic Hanson Medal of Excellence in 2019 for his contributions to Syracuse basketball.

© RLYoung 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2019, 2024