Here’s my take on GMac, as someone who was very much in the camp for hiring an outside guy to take the program in a different direction.
First, GMac did go out on his own to gain head coaching experience at a small, lower level program without resources that was struggling. He took that program all the way to the NCAAT and almost upset a Goliath. He did it all in two years with a depleted roster of kids that were overlooked and under-recruited. There’s something to say about what he did at Siena. Nothing he did there was easy.
Second, Syracuse is a unique job. While it would be nice to have a fresh direction, it’s a program that still relies on its history and is proud of its past successes. You can’t completely discard history. GMac is obviously a person that understands SU’s history as he was one of the single greatest players to wear Orange. There’s nothing wrong with hiring alums if they are able to build on the past history of the program and deliver future success.
Third, it was obvious that GMac should have gotten the job when JB retired but unfortunately hierarchy and other factors got in the way. Getting past over once for bad reasons doesn’t mean the opportunity should be dead to you forever. I wish GMac got thr job over Red as I firmly believe we would be in a better position today. But you can’t rewind the clock. I’m fine with giving GMac the job today as he’s now more prepared than he was in 2023.
Fourth, GMac is just a born winner. I believe his work ethic, intensity and desire to win will turn the program around. I believe his passion will attract alumni and donors to support the program. He’s probably the most passionate player we’ve ever had. He rises to the moment. He’ll rise to the moment as head coach at Syracuse and bring the program back to its rightful place in the college basketball landscape.
