Syracuse's Kiyan Anthony transfer decision likely impacted by Gerry McNamara hiring

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It was always going to be tough for Kiyan Anthony to make a huge impact in his first season at Syracuse.

In the modern era of college basketball, that would often point to a transfer. Would Carmelo's son leave the Orange after a single year, though?

Nothing is a given, and it won't be until Kiyan makes his intentions clear.

But there's one thing that could have a massive impact on this: The Orange are hiring a new head coach, and it looks like it'll be Gerry McNamara.

The SU legend G-Mac is an exciting hire for long-time program loyalists, to be sure. And it's got a distinct connection to Kiyan.

The Syracuse freshman basketball class of 2002-03 included Carmelo. It also included Gerry.

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Together, they led the Orange to the only national title in program history.

McNamara was a hero on that championship stage, hitting six first-half 3-pointers against Kansas.

Anthony was named the Most Outstanding Player that March.

'Melo went one-and-done from there, while McNamara stuck around and turned himself into one of the best players in program history.

But more than two decades later, they remain linked for that greatest of all accomplishments with Syracuse basketball.

Now, Carmelo's son Kiyan has a choice to make. And one of his options is to stick around and play with his dad's college peer. That has to matter.

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