The 2005-2006 regular season was disappointing for Syracuse University.  The Orange finished with a 23-12 record, just 7-9 in Big East play, and were eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.  But for a few days in New York City at the conference tournament, they couldn’t lose, thanks to the dramatic play of senior Gerry McNamara. 

McNamara, fired-up after being named the Big East’s Most Overrated player by more than one publication, including Sports Illustrated, led Syracuse to the league title, winning an unprecedented four games in four days, including a first-round win over Cincinnati in which he hit the game-winning three-point shot.  It was following this game that coach Jim Boeheim, normally a reserved character, unleashed a passionate defense of his star-player.

McNamara was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, and wore a t-shirt that read “Overrated?!!” while cutting down the nets.

Before Blowup: 20-11
After Blowup: 3-1