The Syracuse Orange men's basketball program had a chance to speak in front of local, regional, and national media outlets on Wednesday during the ACC's Basketball Tip-Off event in Charlotte, N.C. 

All 18 of the conference's men's basketball programs were represented during the event, which was held over a three-day span.

Along with head coach Gerry McNamara, two members of the men's team represented the program on Wednesday. This is all in advance of the team's exhibition opener, which is Tuesday night in Uncasville, Conn. against the UConn Huskies.

Gavin Doty-

A 6-foot-5 forward from Fulton, NY, Doty followed McNamara to Syracuse after two seasons together at Siena. 

Doty was a First-Team All-MAAC selection who helped lead Siena to the school's first NCAA tournament appearance in over 15 years last season. The Saints nearly beat No. 1 Duke in the Round of 64.

Aiden Tobiason-

A Delaware native, Tobiason played two seasons at Temple. In 32 games for the Owls, the 6-foot-5 forward averaged 15.3 ppg on 48.0 percent shooting. He pulled down 3.7 rebounds and dished out two assists per game. He was an All-Freshman team selection in 2024-25 for the AAC.

Tobiason, like Doty, is a part of a strong group of transfers making their debuts for the Orange this season. 

1-Doty's excitement to return to Central New York

-After starting his career with McNamara, Gavin Doty returns to his home area in Central New York. Doty said this in regards to wearing the Syracuse Blue and Orange " “It’s a blessing. I’ve been going to Syracuse games since I was three years old.”

Doty played his high school basketball at G. Ray Bodley High in Fulton, N.Y. Doty is expected to be one of the key contributors to the Orange this season, though he's projected to be coming off the bench.

2-Where will transfer Aiden Tobiason play in the offense?

The transfer from Temple said this in regards to his potential fit in the Orange offense." I was playing point (guard) a lot over the summer, trying to make reads faster, just playing more on the ball."

If the Orange are able to see an improvement in Tobiason's ball handling, Syracuse could pose a tough matchup for multiple teams on their schedule. Garwey Dual, another transfer (McNeese State), could also see time at point guard.

3-Assembling The Roster

McNamara noted that building this Syracuse roster was different than other programs around the country. After his two seasons at Siena, the most recent including a MAAC championship, McNamara was able to bring over four players from the previous roster.

Doty, Francis Folefac, Tasman "Tazzie" Goodrick and Siena commit Ryan Moesch have all joined him. McNamara's evaluation of these players and familiarity with their game could be a strength for the team this season. 

Doty, Tobiason and McNamara will all return to Central New York for the team's media session on Friday afternoon.