Ryan Blackwell

Biography

Former Syracuse men's basketball standout Ryan Blackwell rejoined the program as director of player engagement in April 2026. He had spent the previous two seasons as an assistant coach on Gerry McNamara's staff at Siena. Blackwell serves as the program's primary connector to its extended network of alumni and former student-athletes. He is charged with developing, assisting and supporting a comprehensive alumni and donor engagement strategy in coordination with the athletics development staff that aligns with department priorities. He leads in the planning and execution of engagement events, including mentorship and networking opportunities, alumni weekends, on-campus and student-athlete activations. Blackwell will ensure all engagement activities align with institutional, ACC and NCAA guidelines while reinforcing the program's brand and values. After completing his professional playing career and returning to the United States, Blackwell spent a year coaching at IMG Academy in Florida and as a youth and college skill development coach at Belucci Basketball Academy (BBA) in Syracuse. He was hired as boys' varsity basketball coach at Liverpool High School in 2015. He guided the Warriors to a 26-0 record and the Class AA New York State Championship in 2018. Liverpool was 151-50 and won five sectional titles during his tenure. Blackwell played a key role in the turnaround orchestrated at Siena. The Saints produced a 10-win improvement in 2024-25, Blackwell's first season with t