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New Siena Coach Carmen Maciariello: "Great Day To Be A Saint"

Coach Carmen Maciariello of Siena College
Siena College
Coach Carmen Maciariello of Siena College

For the second straight year, the Siena College men’s basketball program has a new head coach.

Like he did more than two decades ago when he was starring for Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, Carmen Maciariello is dominating Capital Region sports pages this week.

On Monday, the 2001 Siena graduate was tapped as the 18th men’s basketball coach in school history. A day later, the private college in Loudonville made it official at the Saints’ home court: Times Union Center in Albany.

The 40-year-old Maciariello was in his second stint on the Saints’ staff when first-year head coach Jamion Christian left for George Washington last week in a stunning departure.

“In all we do, our disposition is to attack. This attacking mentality will be emphasized in all facets of our program,” he said. “This will be our identity. We will prioritize finishing in all that we do. In every drill, in every class, in every practice, we will finish what we start.”

Maciariello played one season for Siena after spending three at New Hampshire, and worked under then-Siena Coach Fran McCaffery in 2005-06.  He also played four professional seasons in Italy before assistant coaching at George Washington, Boston University and Fairfield.

John D’Argenio is director of athletics.

“Along with the connection to the players, along with the connection to the area, it’s that championship pedigree that we know is going to help continue us propel Siena College forward,” he said. “I appreciate his willingness to step up to this role, although I really didn’t have to twist his arm too much.”

It could be good timing for Maciariello’s first head coaching job: Siena was picked to finish last in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference last season, but exceeded expectations, reached the conference semifinals and finished 17-16.

Assuming key players don’t follow Christian out the door, Siena could be poised to make its first NCAA Tournament run in a decade next year.

“Our fan base is once again energized, and the players are unified working toward a common goal,” he said. “To be a champion, it takes grit, determination, and a singular focus. Our players have what it takes to be just that. As I said before, I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity to lead my alma mater, I’m excited to get started, and look forward to being your head coach. It’s a great day to be a Saint.”

Siena didn't make Maciariello’s contract terms public, but the Times Union reported he received a four-year deal.

A lifelong resident of the Capital Region, Ian joined WAMC in late 2008 and became news director in 2013. He began working on Morning Edition and has produced The Capitol Connection, Congressional Corner, and several other WAMC programs. Ian can also be heard as the host of the WAMC News Podcast and on The Roundtable and various newscasts. Ian holds a BA in English and journalism and an MA in English, both from the University at Albany, where he has taught journalism since 2013.
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