St. John’s University has named Steve Masiello to a dual position that will see him continue as associate head coach while also taking on the responsibilities of general manager for the men’s basketball program.
A New Leadership Model
Masiello, a coach with more than two decades of Division I experience, will replace Matt Abdelmassih, who left the program in January, and will inherit oversight of the roster and day‑to‑day operations.
The appointment follows a brief stint by Tom Ostrom, who served as interim general manager before departing in June, and positions Masiello at the center of the team’s strategic decisions.
Peyton Silva, a rising talent in player development, is being considered for the newly created assistant coaching slot, adding depth to the staff.
Masiello’s résumé includes leading Manhattan College to back‑to‑back MAAC titles and NCAA tournament appearances, as well as stints on Pitino’s staff at Iona and Louisville, where he helped secure commitments from top NBA prospects for the 2025 transfer class.
Under his guidance and that of head coach Rick Pitino, the Red Storm captured consecutive Big East championships and advanced to the Sweet 16, achievements that underscore the program’s resurgence.
The university hopes the combination of Masiello’s coaching acumen and managerial oversight will sustain the team’s competitive edge as it looks ahead to the next season.