Ryan Moesch sifted through 23 Division 1 offers, ranging from every level of college basketball. Ultimately, he couldn’t turn down a unique relationship with a head coach and an immediate playing opportunity.
Moesch, the star Class of 2026 point guard for Cushing Academy and the Middlesex Magic, has committed to Siena, he told New England Basketball Journal. He chose the Saints over Providence College, his other finalist, as he’ll head back to his home state of New York to play college basketball under head coach Gerry McNamara, who’s entering his second season.
“I just think it’s the best option and opportunity right now,” Moesch said. “Me, my family and my agent just thought that was the best opportunity right now and I really trust G-Mac with the plan he has for me. That’s why I committed there.”
Moesch visited Siena several times, which included a golf outing, and the opportunity to play right away as a main option for McNamara was a big selling point. But it was certainly a tough decision. Moesch visited Providence, his first and only high-major offer, during the last weekend of August. He was enamored with the opportunity that Friars head coach Kim English and his staff laid out for him, and it was hard for him to pass up the Big East program.
“It was really difficult, honestly, because I know I can play at the Big East (level) and Coach English really believed in me,” Moesch said. “I really liked his plan for me, honestly, as well. That’s what made it so hard. I would just say, I know I need the ball in my hands and I just want to prove to everyone that I can play.”
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Moesch is putting his faith in McNamara, who’s a legend in upstate New York. The coach starred at Syracuse – not far from Moesch’s hometown of Cazenovia, N.Y. – as a point guard who helped the Orange win the 2003 national championship before becoming a two-time All-Big East first team selection and getting his No. 3 retired by the school. Moesch was not born yet when McNamara was becoming a local legend, but he was certainly a figure he could model his game after.
He said he met McNamara – an assistant coach at Syracuse for more than a decade before taking the Siena job in 2024 – about a year and a half ago, and the two built a strong bond.
“He's great. He really showed love,” Moesch said. “I really just think he’s a good person. … I know I’m going to trust him with my decision and I know it will be good. …
“I definitely looked up to him. That was definitely important to me, how he played and how he knows his stuff and how many people he’s helped. I definitely want him to be a lifelong mentor.”
Moesch can now look ahead to a big senior season at Cushing with the weight of a college decision off his shoulders. After transferring from Chittenango High School in New York, he emerged as one of the most dynamic and electrifying guards in New England last winter, averaging 17 points, six assists and four rebounds per game as he led Cushing to the NEBL championship. But he has bigger goals this season. He’ll be the engine of a loaded Penguins squad that will be a favorite to win NEPSAC Class AA and in position to make a run for the national prep championship – both tournaments they lost in the semifinals last season in heartbreaking fashion. Moesch and Co. will be motivated to handle unfinished business.
“Becoming more of a leader, keep playing the right way,” Moesch said of what he’s looking to improve, “and honestly, just try to win a championship.”
