The former Orange standout joins McNamara in Central New York after being with him at Siena.
The Syracuse men's basketball team officially confirmed three additions to the team's coaching staff on Monday. The announcement included former VCU assistant Ryan Daly, along with former Siena assistants under McNamara: Ben Lee and Arinze Onuaku.
Who is Arinze Onuaku?
Onuaku was a five-year member of the Syracuse program from 2005-2010. A four-time Big East Conference All-Academic Team selection, Onuaku helped lead the Orange to two Sweet 16 appearances.
Onuaku joined the Siena staff under McNamara in 2024. Onuaku was previosuly coaching in the professional ranks, as he served as an assistant for the Capital City Go-Gos, a G-League affiliate of the Washington Wizards.
Who is Ben Lee?
The 29-year-old joins McNamara's staff after two years in Siena. A Long Island native, Lee was also an assistant coach at the University of Washington. At Washington, he worked with former Syracuse player and assistant coach Mike Hopkins.
Who is Ryan Daly?
Daly's collegiate coaching career includes stops at Bryant, VCU, and Albany. A former college basketball player at both Delaware and St. Joseph's, Daly's experience is expected to be a strong foundation for the Orange's staff.
What's next for the staff?
Although the three coaches above have been announced, it is very likely more names will join McNamara's staff. Remember: the entire staff was fired along with former head coach Adrian Autry.
The school has yet to confirm Jamal Brunt as part of the team staff, though reports of his hiring surfaced this weekend. Ryan Blackwell was another Siena assistant with Syracuse ties that is a possible fit. Also former Orange player and coaching staff member, Eric Devendorf, remains a possibility for an opening.
Busy April for McNamara continues
Syracuse has already had four players enter the transfer portal which officially opens on Tuesday. Included in the mix is guard Naithan George who was a key contributor for the Orange last season. Who might be able to replace George?
The Orange have been rumored to be front-runners to land Siena players Gavin Doty and Francis Folefac. Both players were a key part in helping the Saints win the MAAC tournament in 2026.
As our own Brady Farkas noted on Monday, Syracuse has signed 6''7' Slovenian Mark Morano Mahmutovič.
Draft Express' Jonathan Givony shared this scouting report on the Slovenian on X:
The 6'7, 19-year-old Slovenian wing is one of the top 2006-born European prospects — a career 39% 3-point shooter who finished 2nd in scoring at last summer's FIBA U18 Eurobasket.
The men's basketball transfer portal officially opens on Tuesday.
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