CLAY. N.Y. — In Central New York, some names just mean more.
And right now, one of them is hitting a little different, especially if you live on McNamara Drive.
With Syracuse University naming Gerry “G Mac” McNamara as its new men’s basketball head coach, excitement is building across Orange Nation. But in one Clay neighborhood, that excitement feels a little more personal.
Because here, McNamara isn’t just a Syracuse legend… he’s on the street sign.
The neighborhood, known as Orange Commons, is a tribute to Syracuse’s 2003 national championship team. Streets are named after key players from that historic run. Melo Circle for Carmelo Anthony, Duany Avenue for Kueth Duany, and Pace Lane for Josh Pace.
Right in the middle of it all: McNamara Drive.
“G Mac is coming back baby to lead us to the promise land,” said resident Bill Montroi, a longtime Syracuse fan.
Others are just now realizing the timing of it all.
“I just found out that McNamara is going to be the new head coach pretty excited about that,” said Matthew Schanz, who has lived in the neighborhood for five years.
For some, the moment goes beyond basketball.
“The whole city rallies behind SU we all bleed orange,” said Rashad Shepherd, whose son plays football at Syracuse University.
And on this street, that energy is already showing up in the next generation.
“G MAC!” kids shouted while playing basketball nearby, turning the coach’s nickname into a neighborhood chant.
“There’s gotta be some kind of party!” said neighbor Araal Gunn.
Others agree.
“A block party for G Mac would be great,” another neighbor added.
From the sound of a bouncing basketball to the smack of a street sign, the connection between Syracuse basketball and this neighborhood runs deep.
In Orange Commons, it’s clear… basketball isn’t just a game.
It’s part of the neighborhood.
And if that block party does happen you can probably guess what street it’ll be on.
