Upstate Sports Edge

NEW: Upon arriving back to the Siena University campus this afternoon, Gerry McNamara was asked about what his future may hold with the Saints or even elsewhere. His full response below:

🗣️ "You guys just showed your heart, your character against the best team in the country. I love how you just represented yourselves, your families, this program, our community" - @Coach_McNamara Far from a cakewalk, @SienaMBB took No. 1 overall seed Duke to the wire in falling just short of a historic @MarchMadnessMBB upset 📰 tinyurl.com/4t3a5a9a #MarchOn x #SienaSaints

"I'm a damn proud coach." A team that said they weren't afraid of the challenge proved that; giving #1 Duke all they could ask for. @Coach_McNamara said two years ago he came to Siena to win; he's done that. Even in defeat, the CBB world witnessed what @SienaMBB's all about.

"He [GMac] outcoached me." High praise from Duke's Jon Scheyer just moments after the Blue Devils escaped with a win vs. Siena. What Gerry McNamara has done in two years at the helm of @SienaMBB has been nothing short of a success and the entire CBB world witnessed that today.

A Herculean effort from Siena albeit in defeat. Saints fans everywhere can be proud of what this team did; taking the #1 overall seed to uncharted territory. @SienaMBB finishes the year (23-12), MAAC champions, and proved to the country that they belonged in the 'Big Dance'.

You couldn't ask for a better first half of basketball from Siena. The Saints up 43-32 on the #1 overall seed in the tournament. @SienaMBB's 20 minutes away from making some serious March Madness history. If you aren't watching yet, head over to @CBS6Albany for the finish.

While Siena has a matchup with the #1 overall seeded Duke Blue Devils tomorrow, the elephant in the room is the Syracuse head coach opening. Gerry McNamara's (@Coach_McNamara) response today when asked about his name being linked as a potential candidate:

Siena's working on their final prep/gameplan for their NCAA First Round matchup with Duke tomorrow. Gerry McNamara's message to the team: This isn't impossible, it has happened before. @SienaMBB looks to become just the 3rd 16-seed to knock off a 1-seed in tournament history.

More selection show reaction from Siena head coach Gerry McNamara. High praise for Duke, the #1 overall team in NCAA Tournament, and the current 29.5-point favorite over Siena. Thursday, the Saints look to become just the third 16 seed to upset a 1 seed in tournament history.

"The time for enjoyment is over. Now it's for us to prepare to win." -Gerry McNamara (@Coach_McNamara) Moments after being given the 16 seed that would face Duke, @SienaMBB shifted their focus to pulling off the upset. It'll be a tall task but the Saints are a confident group.

The time is set: Siena and Duke face off Thursday at 2:50 p.m. You can watch the Saints' first NCAA Tournament game since 2010 right here on CBS6. bit.ly/4cPaqyy

The Saints will try to make some 16-seed history with a win over Duke Thursday, 2:50 PM only on @CBS6Albany.

BREAKING: Siena will head to the NCAA Tournament as the 16 seed in the East bracket. The Saints will square off with 1 seed Duke in Greenville, SC. @SienaMBB will look to become just the 3rd 16 seed to upset a 1 seed in tournament history.

It’s a big weekend for Siena men’s basketball. The Saints are heading into the NCAA Selection Show this Sunday. A Central New York elementary school chorus is helping cheer them on, as the Saints head to their first NCAA Tournament since 2010. cbs6albany.com/sports/content…

OFFICIAL: Jeff Hoffman is joining @USABaseball for the Semifinals at the #WorldBaseballClassic

🏀 LET'S DANCE 🕺 #SienaSaints fans join us for a @MarchMadnessMBB Selection Show Watch Party Sunday at the UHY Center Doors open at 5⃣PM, followed by the Selection Show at 6⃣PM #MarchOn

Fresh off the firing of Adrian Autry, rumors have begun swirling about Gerry McNamara becoming a potential target to be Syracuse's next coach. GMac's first response to the reports/interest: "I ignore it. It's inevitable." His focus is on getting ready for the NCAA Tournament.

The 2026 MAAC champion Siena Saints have made their way back to campus. Next up, a trip to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 16 years. Can they become March's next Cinderella story? Gerry McNamara believes his group can make some noise. @SienaMBB @Coach_McNamara

Promises made, promises delivered. Gerry McNamara said he came to Siena to win. Tonight, he won a MAAC Title. For a guy who's seen it all in March, @Coach_McNamara wanted this one for his players more than anything. @SienaMBB's headed to the 'Big Dance'. Courtesy: @MAACHoops

BREAKING: For the first time since 2010, the Siena Saints are headed to the NCAA Tournament. Total domination in the MAAC Championship over Merrimack, 64-54. Gerry McNamara said he came to Siena to win, it took him two years to earn his first title. @SienaMBB's going dancin'.