Rapid Reaction: Brenden Straughn is an excellent hire for Syracuse

Syracuse announced on Thursday morning it is hiring George Washington assistant coach Brenden Straughn in a release.

Straughn fills the opening left by Jim Boeheim, who announced his retirement after 47 years as head coach. Adrian Autry was promoted to head coach and Gerry McNamara was promoted to associate head coach.

When Syracuse coach Adrian Autry put a wish list together of the qualifications for the third coaching spot on his staff, his new assistant Brendan Straughn, whose hiring was officially announced Thursday, fit the bill perfectly, checking all the boxes.

After all, he has recruiting prowess in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) from his tenure as an assistant at George Washington.

He has recruiting experience in Philadelphia from his time as an assistant at Saint Joseph’s. He also coached extensively in the AAU (Team Takeover) and high school ranks in his native Maryland, after playing Division III basketball at Hood College.

In addition, Straughn is known for excellent offense and defensive strategy, an Xs and Os guy, and a great reputation for player development on and off the court.

And one final note about Straughn as a recruiter, joining the SU staff: He recruited Autry’s son, Trey, to George Washington last year, allowing Red to have an up close and personal look at exactly how Straughn recruits in the gym and on in-home visits.

It’s an exceptional hire for Adrian Autry, rounding out his initial coaching staff with the third member on the bench.

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