Two decades ago, Jerry McNamara arrived on the Syracuse University campus and left as a legend. Now, the Scranton native returns to the orange, hoping to lead them back to glory.

in a celebration fit for a President Syracuse welcomed in students, alumni, past coaches and past players all to say welcome back to Gerry McNamara.

Over 2000 fans were inside the JMA wireless dome’s Miron Victory Court all shouting G Mac’s name.

Bryan Blair, Syracuse Director of Athletics says, “ We chose Gerry McNamara to be the next leader of our men’s basketball program. And for the third time in his life, Gerry McNamara and his family chose Syracuse. I need everybody in this room to choose this moment and make sure we take this moment and create some momentum. So please stand up and a loud ovation for your next mens basketball coach Gerry McNamara. “

Gerry McNamara, Syracuse Coach(Scranton) says, “It’s like. It’s like an old Georgetown game where people could even see the court i am looking back here Again, I can’t even tell you how honored and how blessed I am, for this moment to be here. It really is kind of a dream come true for us. “

After leading Siena back from four wins three years ago to almost beating Duke week’s ago McNamara was the leading candidate for new the new Director of Athletics.

Blair says, “ We had a lot of conversations with a lot of individuals and some of them asked, What’s it like to coach when coach Bohheim is in the building and his name’s on the court. What’s it like to sit on the sideline when you get one of the world’s best basketball players as a parent and alum, sitting courtside at a game?

What’s it like to coach when you have 25,000 people. The fan base is po’d that they had more there to cheer on. Right. What’s it like to coach in that spotlight?

There’s one person that never flips when you ask a question. And only thing you said was, let’s go., That’s Gerry McNamara “

Syracuse won the National championship with Gerry and Carmelo Anthony in 2002. The Orange have not been competitive in the ACC and haven’t made the dance in 5 season’s something that is not lost on the 42 year old.

McNamara says, “ You know, I understand that we need to get back but I already kind of put a lot of pressure on myself and have high expectations of what we’re capable of doing. “

Scranton was well represented at today’s ceremony. McNamara’s parents, siblings, nieces and nephews made the 2 hour drive. Gerry’s loves the following from his hometown.

McNamara says, “ My hometown, They obviously pay attention as a player, but I think now being the head coach, they probably got sick of me when I was an assistant . But now being the head coach. You have the opportunity to have this experience, this opportunity. The area loves Syracuse, a lot of fans from those years that stuck with us . “

There was one last message McNamara wanted to get across to the Orange faithful and around the country. It’s why he came back.

McNamara says, “ Anybody that knows me knows why I’m here. I’m here to win. “