Siena is nearing a deal with longtime Syracuse assistant Gerry McNamara to become its new basketball coach, sources tell NewsChannel 13.

McNamara was a rising star when he played basketball for Syracuse.

He began working there as a graduate assistant and was promoted to a full-time assistant coaching post in the 2011-2012 school year. He later became associate head coach.

The new coach will replace Carmen Maciariello, who was fired after a 4-28 season for the Saints.