Gavin Doty Transferred to Syracuse Basketball Team

The former Siena standout reunited with head coach Gerry McNamara following his entry into the transfer portal.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Basketball

Gavin Doty Transferred to Syracuse Basketball Team

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After entering the NCAA transfer portal in March 2026, Gavin Doty finalized his transfer to join the Syracuse University basketball team. The move marks a reunion with head coach Gerry McNamara, who previously coached Doty at Siena.

Why it matters

Doty chose to play in his hometown for the Orange to continue his college career under the direction of McNamara. His decision highlights the influence of coaching relationships in the current collegiate landscape.

Doty averaged 18.0 points per game last year while helping Siena secure an NCAA tournament berth. He spent two seasons at Siena before opting to change programs.

The players

Gavin Doty

He is a collegiate basketball player who previously played for two years at Siena.

Gerry McNamara

He is the head coach of the Syracuse basketball team who previously led the program at Siena.

The details

Doty, a native of Fulton, N.Y., joins the squad at Syracuse ahead of the upcoming season. He opted to transfer after McNamara was appointed as the head coach of the Syracuse program.

Doty entered the NCAA transfer portal in March 2026.
Syracuse will play its season opener against New Haven on November 2, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The arrival of an proven scorer bolsters the backcourt depth for Syracuse in the competitive ACC landscape. His integration remains a key variable for the team's standing as they navigate the upcoming season.

Doty joins a squad looking to integrate new talent before their November 2 opener against New Haven at the JMA Wireless Dome. His scoring average of 18.0 points per game makes him a critical addition to the offensive rotation.

The takeaway

Doty's decision to play for his hometown school highlights the impact of established coaching connections on student-athlete recruitment. Future team success now rests on how well he translates his prior scoring production to the Syracuse offensive scheme.