Gerry McNamara spoke to the media on Friday, just a few days before Syracuse men's basketball plays its first exhibition game on Tuesday night against the UConn Huskies.

The Orange are less than a month away from tipping off the 2026-27 regular season, which is Nov. 2 against New Haven.

During the media session, McNamara offered effusive praise of transfer guard Garwey Dual, who he remembers recruiting when he was an assistant at Syracuse prior to leaving for the head coaching job at Siena.

"I trust my eyes. The first time I went to see Garwey in high school I thought he was lottery pick talented. That's how talented I thought he was. And then, watching his film this year. Look at what he did in the (NCAA) tournament. 16 (points) and 6 (assists) against Vanderbilt. He is one of the best on ball defenders I've ever been around."

A highly-touted prospect out of high school,  Dual signed with Providence, staying with the Friars for one season. Dual then transferred within the BIG EAST Conference and joined the Seton Hall Pirates.

In his sophomore season, Dual started in 22 games but averaged less than six points per game.

In his junior year, Dual moved once again, joining McNeese State. The 6-foot-5 guard had his best season with the Cowboys. Dual averaged 8.4 points, 4.4 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Dual has one year of eligibility left. 

McNamara's support of Dual should prove to be a massive benefit for the newcomer. It is possible that Dual could be an All-ACC Defensive Team selection by March. If Dual's offensive game sees improvement, he'll become the kind of well-rounded player that could earn a spot on the All-ACC teams. 

And if he has the kind of impact that McNamara thinks he can have, then perhaps Syracuse can break its five-year NCAA Tournament drought.

It is possible that Dual could find himself as a potential NBA lottery pick by the end of the season, but early mock drafts do not see him that way as of now.

Our own Brady Farkas will be in Connecticut for the coverage of the contest on Tuesday. After the preseason contest with the Huskies, the Orange will take on the Siena Saints in the Loudonville, N.Y. on Sunday.

The final exhibition game will be held in Buffalo when Syracuse travels to take on Niagara on Oct. 24,