SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Earlier this week, the Syracuse Orange men's basketball team lost its first exhibition game of the season against the UConn Huskies. Under new head coach Gerry McNamara, the Orange lost 72-52, but there were certainly positives to take away, like the play of freshman point guard Ryan Moesch. 

Last week, at the team's annual Media Day, McNamara discussed his growth as a head coach. McNamara spent the last two seasons as the head coach at Siena before returning back to Central New York where he starred as a player from 2002-06.

Here's what you need to know:

After his playing career ended, McNamara joined his alma mater's staff, staying for more than a decade until he left for Siena. As the now 43-year-old noted, responsibilities and duties are much different as a head coach than as an assistant on a staff:

"Every assistant coach that aspires to be a head coach likes to think that they have all the answers. You think you are prepared. The thing I've said before that I wasn't prepared for was how it stays with you every where you go. You take it home.  You wake up with it. You go to sleep with it....how do you manage all that? How do you delegate certain roles off your staff?....it's a team effort"

In two seasons at Siena, McNamara improved the team's total wins each season. In his second and final season, McNamara was able to lead Siena to the program's first conference title in 17 years. While fans will remember the championship, McNamara showed a prowess far before the MAAC title win in Atlantic City and the near-upset of Duke in the NCAA tournament.

McNamara, during his tenure leading the Saints, had to adjust lineups and defenses through a 30-plus game season. In MAAC action, McNamara shifted defensive strategy and lineups after struggling against foes like Sacred Heart and Merrimack, showing an aptitude for critical thinking and problem solving.

The in-season moves helped Siena find a better flow to its offense as they completed the conference title run.

McNamara also has been able to deal with injuries to his roster. Now-Orange forward Tasman Goodrick was injured just nine games into the season for Siena in '25-26. McNamara and his staff were able to adjust and still find ways to win.

The Orange on Sunday will play in their second preseason game when they travel to two hours east to take on the Siena. McNamara, multiple coaching staff members, and three players (Gavin Doty, Francis Folefac, and Tassie Goodrick) all were members of the Siena basketball program last season. Tip off in Loudonville is set for 2:00 p.m. ET. The program will raise the MAAC Championship banner in their honor.

McNamara and the Orange begin their regular season slate on Nov. 2 inside the JMA Wireless Dome. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.