The Syracuse Orange are under new leadership after firing head coach Adrian Autry. After three seasons with the team, he produced just a 49-48 record while not making any NCAA Tournament appearances. Gerry McNamara, who has spent the past two seasons coaching the Siena Saints, was named as his replacement.
McNamara also spent four years playing for the Orange, starting 35 games during the 2002-03 season, en route to the program's first and only national championship title. Now in his first offseason as his alma mater's head coach, he's put a large focus on the transfer portal. Syracuse's transfer class ranks 35th in the nation with four commitments and six departures.
© Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Orange may be close to making another big addition. On3's senior national recruiting analyst, Jamie Shaw, reports that Syracuse has momentum for former Appalachian State center Luke Wilson.
"He had an early visit with UCLA and conducted Zoom meetings with Purdue, Seton Hall, Syracuse, Mississippi State, and Georgetown," Shaw wrote. "Speaking with sources in recruitment, I am told there is some momentum with Syracuse."
Wilson just put together his most complete season with the Mountaineers. The 6-foot-9, 255-pound center appeared in 32 games and made 30 starts. He averaged 10.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 0.6 assists while shooting 64.2% from the field.
After being named the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year, it's no surprise he's receiving so much attention. On3 Industry Rankings list him as the No. 24 center and No. 206 player to enter this year's transfer portal cycle.
While Syracuse is making a push, Wilson has a number of teams to choose from, as noted by Shaw. If the Orange can come out on top, though, he would be the program's fifth addition alongside guard Aiden Tobiason (Temple), guard Garwey Dual (McNeese), forward Tasman Goodrick (Siena) and forward Gavin Doty (Siena).
