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The Siena University men's basketball team is set to lose one of its standout players, as Gavin Doty announced his transfer to Syracuse University. Doty, a 6-foot-5 guard from Fulton, New York, played two seasons under coach Gerry McNamara at Siena and will now reunite with him at Syracuse.
Doty, who averaged 18 points and nearly seven rebounds per game last season, was instrumental in leading Siena to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference title and an impressive performance against Duke University in the NCAA Tournament. Despite a 71-65 loss to the top-seeded Blue Devils, Doty scored 21 points, showcasing his talent on a national stage. His move to Syracuse was anticipated after McNamara took over as the head coach on March 24. Doty joins Slovenian forward Mark Morano Mahmutovič as the second new addition to the team this week.
Doty's journey to Syracuse is a homecoming of sorts, as he grew up just 30 minutes away from the JMA Wireless Dome. His high school career at Fulton High School and participation in the Albany City Rocks EYBL team laid the foundation for his collegiate success. During his time at Siena, Doty earned first-team All-MAAC honors and was a key player in the Saints' first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2010.
With Doty joining the Orange, Syracuse aims to strengthen its roster and return to its winning ways. The team still has several spots to fill after multiple players entered the transfer portal, but Doty's addition is a promising step for the program.