The guard-forward was expected to head to Syracuse, but he's officially joined the Orange.
Well, that didn't take long.
The NCAA men's basketball transfer portal officially opened up on Tuesday at midnight, and the Syracuse Orange have already landed a coveted recruit.
According Mike McAllister of 247 Sports, the Orange have received a commitment from Gavin Doty, who previously played for head coach Gerry McNamara at Siena.
His commitment was expected, but this is still a big domino for the Orange as they look to rebuild the program coming off a 15-17 season.
Syracuse hasn't made the NCAA Tournament in the last five years and Doty was a big part of helping McNamara get there with Siena this past season. The Saints lost to No. 1 Duke in the Round of 64.
Doty was a First Team All-MAAC selection and he previously said that he wanted to play for McNamara his entire college career, which made his connection to Syracuse extremely logical. He's also a Central New York native, hailing from nearby Fulton. That should be a big rallying point for fans as well.
More on Doty
In addition to being a First-Team All-MAAC selection this year, he was also an All-Rookie selection last season. He averaged more than 18 ppg this year while also pulling down 6.9 rebounds. He shot 45.8 percent from the floor and 32.6 percent from three-point range. He had 21 in the NCAA Tournament loss against Duke.
How could he fit with Syracuse?
For starters, he understands exactly what McNamara is trying to build. He's seen it before and lived it before. He knows the vision and can help impart it to other players on the roster, while also serving as a go-between for the roster and coaching staff.
Second off, Syracuse has a need at the guard position. JJ Starling is set to graduate, opening up a starting spot in the backcourt. William Kyle III is also graduating, opening up a second spot in the starting lineup. Naithan George has entered the transfer portal as well. There's actually a chance that all five Syracuse starters from this past season won't be here in 2026-27.
McNamara recently spoke about Doty, singing his praises while still at Siena.
āGavin Doty is as close to me as anyone Iāve ever [coached]. Heās a psycho.ā Doty is a Fulton NY native. Said after Duke that he wanted to play for GMAC throughout college. A name to watch now that GMAC is coming to Syracuse.
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