Matt Abdelmassi Fired as St. John’s General Manager
Matt Abdelmassi, who was recently dismissed as the general manager of St. John’s, addressed his firing on Wednesday, following the public announcement about it.
Sources indicate that the university was looking into his financial activities, which likely contributed to his termination.
In a statement, Abdelmassi affirmed that he “operated with integrity and transparency within the given conditions.” He shared that being back at St. John’s was much more than just a job to him.
“I am a proud graduate of St. John’s University. Returning to Queens was significant for me,” he expressed. “This place is part of my DNA, and I approached this role with a sense of responsibility.” He added that his mind was filled with thoughts of the university daily.
Reflecting on his two-and-a-half-year stint, he emphasized that he aimed to build a team that would restore St. John’s to its former glory in college basketball. “These are complex times for college sports, and I faced the challenges with professionalism and accountability.”
Abdelmassi, along with head coach Rick Pitino and associate head coach Steve Masiello, played a key role in recruiting players during the name, image, and likeness (NIL) era. This year’s budget has exceeded $10 million, positioning the university among the financial leaders within the Big East.
Pitino ultimately made the final decisions regarding player recruitment.
Abdelmassi had been responsible for negotiating contracts with players and their agents and was recognized for his solid grasp of the job portal landscape, gaining a reputation as an effective recruiter.
His background includes coaching positions at Iowa State and Nebraska, as well as a brief tenure as a player agent.
“Ending my time in this way is incredibly difficult and doesn’t reflect my work or values, especially in a place so meaningful to me,” he stated. “I leave with a grateful heart, thankful to the players, coaches, staff, alumni, and fans who have been part of this journey. I will continue to support St. John’s while focusing on my family and the next chapter of my career.”
