Masiello Stays With Manhattan

((HT: ESPN))

Provided he gets the 10 credits he needs to complete his degree at the University of Kentucky...

This was a proud moment for the Manhattan program this post-season... making it into the tourney...
((HT: CBS Sports Network))


And because of the success the Jaspers had, head coach Steve Masiello was a hot commodity. The University of South Florida wanted Masiello to take over for the departed Stan Heath. But in checking his background, the school discovered the lacking of a degree from his undergrad time at UK.

USF found him out and didn't want him anymore.
Manhattan had to figure out what to do with him, and it looks like they're giving Masiello a solid...

"I am extremely grateful and humbled by the opportunity to continue as the head men's basketball coach at Manhattan College," Masiello said in a statement released by the school. "I made a mistake that could have cost me my job at an institution I love. Details matter. Manhattan College has shown me a great deal of compassion and trust during this process, and I will do everything in my power to uphold that trust. I understand that I am very fortunate to have the chance to remain here at Manhattan."

"After an extensive review of the situation and extenuating circumstances, we determined that Mr. Masiello executed poor judgment but did not intentionally misrepresent himself in applying to the college. After participating in graduation ceremonies at the University of Kentucky, he enrolled in summer courses with the intention of completing his degree, but never followed through to make sure that the degree was awarded," Manhattan president Brennan O'Donnell said in the statement.

"We appreciate the counsel of all involved in assessing this complex situation. Our policy was always that the coach must have at least a four-year undergraduate degree. We are confident that Mr. Masiello will be able to complete his degree this summer and return soon thereafter to resume his duties."

Associate head coach Matt Grady will serve as interim head coach during Masiello's summer school.

Here's to hoping Masiello gets a degree and does some good with it...

Masiello In Trouble At USF And Manhattan

Manhattan head coach Steve Masiello had to face his mentor Rick Pitino in the first round of this year's March NCAA tournament in one of those 4-13 match-ups... and it wasn't really fair...

But Masiello got to parlay the Jaspers success into a job offer from the University of South Florida- who was looking at a replacement for Stan Heath...

Problem...

Masiello's resume claims that he majored in communications and graduated from Kentucky in 2000. However, in the verification process, USF found out that Masiello did not in fact graduate from UK...

The job offer from USF has been withdrawn and he is now on administrative leave at Manhattan...

"The agreement was pending a verification of credentials," South Florida said in a statement. "Through the verification process it was determined the candidate's credentials could not be substantiated and therefore he did not meet the requirements for the position."

"As a result of a background check commissioned by the University of South Florida, Manhattan College has learned there is a question of the validity of head men's basketball coach Steve Masiello's undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky," reads a statement from Manhattan. "Masiello is currently in the process of reviewing his degree status with the University of Kentucky. Manhattan College has placed Masiello on leave while he completes this process with the university."

Jeff Goodman discusses
((HT: ESPN))