Speaking with Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports on Tuesday, new Syracuse men's basketball coach Gerry McNamara made a major admission.

As relayed by Syracuse television reporter Ashley Wenskoski on social media:

Gerry McNamara to Rothstein on taking the Syracuse job

"It was probably the only job I would have taken. I loved it at Siena. I could have spent my entire career there and been happy." On Siena: "It was the best thing that ever happened to me."

McNamara spent two seasons at Siena, helping remake the Saints from a four-win team to a team that made the NCAA Tournament this past season, nearly upsetting No. 1 Duke in the Round of 64.

Should we believe that McNamara would have only left Siena for Syracuse? Ultimately, it doesn't matter, but there is reason to take what he says at face value.

First, McNamara obviously played at Syracuse and became a legend there, helping SU win the 2003 national championship. Secondly, he coached as an assistant there for more than a decade. There's a comfort and a familiarity with Central New York that can't be replicated anywhere lese.

Thirdly, McNamara's family has experience in Syracuse. His kids remember their time in Syracuse, as does his wife, and their comfort and familiarity with the area also couldn't be replicated anywhere else.

The Orange went 15-17 this past season, missing the NCAA Tournament for the fifth consecutive season. It's McNamara's job to get them back there - a job that is about to be made easier because of NCAA rule changes.

So far, McNamara has been active on the recruiting front and in the transfer portal, bringing in a number of talented players, including two players from his previous school: Gavin Doty and Francis Folefac.

--The Syracuse football program had nobody drafted for the third time in five years in last weekend's NFL Draft. However, several Orange players did secure contracts or invitations to rookie mini-camps. Here's the latest on what you need to know from the Orange-turned-professionals. 

--The Syracuse men's lacrosse team will open up the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament on Friday night in Charlotte, N.C. They'll take on North Carolina, with the finals to be played on Sunday. After the league final, the Orange will wait to hear their fate with regards to the NCAA Tournament. The Orange were 11-4 in the regular season.

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