A Strategic Search
St. John's University is currently searching for a permanent general manager after Tom Ostrom’s interim appointment, a move that comes on the heels of two consecutive Big East regular‑season and tournament championships and a Sweet 16 appearance, the program’s most successful stretch since 1999.
Ostrom stepped in after Matt Abelmassih was dismissed in mid‑January and quickly proved his value by shaping a roster that blended domestic talent with international prospects such as Quinn Ellis, Babacar Sane and Djordiije Jovanovic.
Among his most notable achievements was the recruitment of Baylor transfer Tounde Yessoufou, a player projected as a late‑first‑round NBA draft pick, whose addition helped the Red Storm secure back‑to‑back Big East regular‑season and tournament titles.
Rick Pitino publicly thanked Ostrom for his work in building the roster, while Steve Masiello, who previously handled recruiting, will continue to be involved in the program’s personnel strategy.
Looking Ahead
The administration believes that appointing a full‑time general manager will provide continuity and allow the team to build on its recent momentum, especially with Yessoufou’s NBA‑draft prospects and the continued development of its international recruits.