A day after his firing came to light, former St. John’s basketball general manager Matt Abdelmassih came to his own defense.
Abdelmassih had played a role in the program’s recruiting and name, image and likeness (NIL) deals.
“During my two-and-a-half years in the role, I operated honestly and transparently, working within the parameters I was given, with one clear goal: putting together a roster capable of returning St. John’s to the top tier of college basketball,” Abdelmassih said in a statement Wednesday.
“College sports is in a complicated moment, and I took on that challenge with professionalism, care, and accountability.”
Abdelmassih, a St. John’s alum and former assistant coach under Chris Mullin, returned to school in 2023 after Rick Pitino was hired as head coach.
Following Tuesday night’s 92-68 win over Marquette at Madison Square Garden, Pitino said Abdelmassih’s firing was “out of my hands” but that “in the eyes of the university, it was very warranted.”
“All I was told four days ago is ‘look for another general manager,’ ” Pitino said. “They said to me, ‘Don’t ask any questions.’ I said, ‘OK, I’ll look for one.’ It’s really not a big deal [from a basketball standpoint]. What’s a big deal is making sure that we don’t lose anything, but that’s a university decision.”
Pitino said he was considering three candidates to replace Abdelmassih.
Last season, St. John’s went 31-5 and won its first Big East regular-season championship since 1985 and its first conference tournament title since 2000.
St. John’s then assembled a transfer portal class that many lauded as the best in the country. After beginning the season at No. 5 in the AP Poll, the Red Storm (12-5; 5-1 vs. Big East) have fallen out of the rankings, but Tuesday’s win was their third in a row.
“Having my time end this way, and in a manner that doesn’t reflect my work or values, is deeply difficult for me, especially at a place that has meant so much personally and professionally,” Abdelmassih said in his statement.
“I leave with my head held high, grateful to the players, coaches, staff, alumni, and fans who shared in the journey. I’ll always root for St. John’s, and I’m focused now on my family and the next chapter of my career.”
