A Philadelphia Legacy
Ryan Daly grew up in a basketball‑obsessed household in Philadelphia, the son of former player and coach Brian Daly and grandson of longtime St. Joseph’s mentor Jim Boyle. The city’s courts shaped his early development, instilling a work ethic that would later define his playing days at Archbishop Carroll, where he earned PCL MVP honors in 2016.
His collegiate journey took him from the University of Delaware to St. Joseph’s, with a brief professional detour in the NBA G League. After graduation he turned to coaching, landing his first assistant role at age 24 at Albany, where head coach Dwayne Killings encouraged him to “believe further than you can see.”
From Albany he moved to Bryant and then to Virginia Commonwealth, following Phil Martelli Jr., who reminded him to “believe further than you can see.” The mentorship proved pivotal, guiding Daly toward a deeper understanding of the game and a creative approach to strategy.
A Homecoming at Syracuse
In April 2024, Gerry McNamara, now the head coach at Syracuse, recruited Daly to join the staff. Their connection dates back to Daly’s high‑school days when McNamara first noticed his talent while scouting a teammate at Archbishop Carroll. Daly’s appointment marks a strategic push to reverse a drought that has left the program without an NCAA tournament appearance since 2021, a milestone last achieved before the 2003 national championship.
Daly brings a blend of playing experience, developmental insight, and a network of relationships cultivated across the Northeast. He envisions a culture that honors the Orange’s historic success while forging a fresh identity capable of contending in the modern landscape of college basketball.