McNamara, Devendorf Earn Honors At BIG EAST Conference Media Day

NEW YORK, NY -- Senior Gerry McNamara was named Preseason BIG EAST Conference co-Player of the Year and freshman Eric Devendorf the league's Preseason Rookie of the Year at media day in New York's Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. McNamara shared his recognition with Connecticut's Rudy Gay.

The Orange were picked to finish fourth in the league in voting conducted with the conference coaches. Villanova was first, followed by Connecticut, Louisville and Syracuse.

McNamara was also a member of the Preseason All-BIG EAST Conference Team. McNamara earned All-BIG EAST First Team recognition last season after averaging 15.8 points per game for the Orange. In league contests, he was even more productive, posting a 17.1 scoring mark. He led the league in free-throw percentagea (.898) and steals average (2.3). He is the Syracuse career leader in three-point baskets (297).

Syracuse opens its exhibition schedule next Tuesday, November 1, at the Carrier Dome. The Orange will host College of St. Rose at 7:00 p.m.

2005-06 Preseason Co-Players of the Year

Rudy Gay, Connecticut

Gerry McNamara, Syracuse

2005-06 Preseason All-BIG EAST Team

*Josh Boone, Connecticut, C, Jr., 6-10, 237, Mt. Airy, Md.

Rudy Gay, Connecticut, F, So., 6-9, 220, Baltimore, Md.

Taquan Dean, Louisville, G, Sr., 6-3, 185, Red Bank, N.J.

Carl Krauser, Pittsburgh, G, Sr., 6-2, 200, Bronx, N.Y.

Daryll Hill, St. John’s, G, Jr., 6-0, 167, Queens, N.Y.

*Gerry McNamara, Syracuse, G, Sr., 6-2, 182, Scranton, Pa.

Randy Foye, Villanova, G, Sr., 6-3, 205, Newark, N.J.