Manhattan parts ways with coach Steve Masiello

Manhattan fired coach Steve Masiello on Tuesday, less than two weeks before the team's first game of the 2022-23 season.

Manhattan named former Jaspers guard RaShawn Stores interim head coach for the upcoming season. The Jaspers open the season at VCU on Nov. 7.

ESPN and the New York Post reported that Masiello, entering the final year of his contract, was seeking an extension.

"We thank Coach Masiello for his service and wish him well," Manhattan director of athletics Marianne Reilly said in a statement. "As we look to building successful teams for the future -- and with recruiting season beginning soon and Coach Masiello's contract ending in April 2023 -- we determined that it was the right time to begin rebuilding from the top down."

The Jaspers were picked to finish second this season in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference preseason poll.

MAAC Preseason Player of the Year Jose Perez told multiple outlets he plans to transfer as a direct result of Masiello's firing.

"What a joke!!" Perez tweeted. "Unbelievable why do it two weeks before the season and leaving 10 seniors not knowing what to do with (their) life ... crazy crazy."

Masiello, 45, went 162-177 in 11 seasons coaching the Jaspers. He led them to the NCAA Tournament in 2014 and 2015.

Masiello is coming off a 15-15 season coaching the Jaspers, including an 8-12 mark in the MAAC.

Shores played in 124 games (92 starts) under Masiello from 2012-16. He averaged 6.2 points and 2.5 assists per game in his four-year career.

Reilly said Stores would be a candidate for the permanent position.