Syracuse men’s basketball’s past and future came together in Skaneateles for the second annual Summer Slam NIL fundraiser, an event that drew hundreds of supporters and put the program’s local backing on full display. The gathering also honored the 2003 national championship team, adding a historic layer to a night focused on NIL fundraising and the direction of Syracuse basketball.
First-year head coach Gerry McNamara said the event went well beyond what he expected. After walking through the building, he said his expectations were exceeded and called the attention to detail remarkable. McNamara pointed to the way the event honored the past and the present while also looking toward the future, saying the program’s aspirations were tied closely to the recognition of the National Championship Team.
A strong showing for Syracuse basketball
McNamara also said he has been around plenty of events, but had never seen anything quite as elaborate. His reaction matched the scale of the turnout, which he said reflected what has long separated Syracuse from 99.9 percent of schools around the country. Looking out at the parking lot, he described the amount of support from the community and fan base as remarkable.
Current player Gavin Doty also spoke about what it meant to be part of the night. He said being home and playing for Syracuse is a blessing, and that meeting fans and having fun at the event made the experience especially meaningful. Doty also pointed to the bigger picture, saying the goal is to help turn the program around and get Syracuse playing big games in March.
Media access was different this year
There was one notable change from last year’s event. CNY Central attended in 2024 and offered an up-close look at the activities, but Syracuse Athletics did not allow the station inside this year. The crew was directed to leave Vinney Lobdell’s property promptly at 6 p.m., marking a clear shift in media access compared with the previous Summer Slam NIL fundraiser.
Even with that change, the event again showed the strength of Syracuse’s basketball community. Alumni, current players and fans gathered in Skaneateles for a fundraiser tied to NIL support, and the turnout suggested the program’s appeal remains strong as McNamara begins shaping the next chapter.
