The Manhattan Jaspers announced Tuesday that they have parted ways with head coach Steve Masiello.
“We thank Coach Masiello for his service and wish him well,” Manhattan athletic director Marianne Riley said in a press release. “As we look to build successful teams for the future — and with the recruiting season starting soon and coach Masiello’s contract expiring in April 2023 — we determined the time was right to begin a top-to-bottom rebuild.”
Manhattan has named interim head coach RaShawn Stores, Stores coached six years for the Jaspers and as a player played in two NCAA tournaments with the program.
The Jaspers were ranked No. 2 in the MAAC preseason poll, and had the MAAC Preseason Player of the Year in Jose Perez, but will not advance. Perez has already shown it college basketball writer Jaden Daly that he intends to enter the transfer portal.
Perez also made a statement on Twitter about the sudden change.
This has been a very difficult day for me and honestly the coach was the most caring person I have ever met, he cares so much about his players and honestly it would be very difficult for me to put on a jasper uniform again if the coach doesn’t it’s the ones on the side. I love you coach!
— Jose Perez (@showout_zayy0) October 25, 2022
When asked about the possible departure of his teammates, he said “I think everybody,” Zagsblog reported.
The Jaspers open the season in 13 days at VCU.
