Manhattan Basketball Could Lose Players After Masiello Firing, per Report

The MAAC preseason player of the year is reportedly entering the transfer portal.

Just two weeks before the college basketball season is set to start, Manhattan announced that it has parted ways with longtime coach Steve Masiello. But as a result, the school could be losing a lot more than its coach. 

According to college basketball insider Adam Zagoria, as many as six to seven players could leave the program in the wake of the abrupt news. One source told Zagoria, “Those guys loved him.”

Not only that, but Jose Perez, the MAAC Preseason Player of the Year, told Zagoria that he intends to enter the transfer portal and believes a large chunk of his teammates will follow. 

“I think everyone,” Perez said, per Zagoria. 

Jose Perez, the MAAC Preseason Player of the Year, tells me he will enter the Transfer Portal and that many or all of his teammates will as well.

"I think everyone."

The season starts in 2 weeks. https://t.co/M6jM1PBQ2M

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) October 25, 2022

This has been a very tough day for me and honestly speaking coach was the most caring person I ever met he cared so much for his players and honestly speaking it would very difficult for me to put on a jasper’s uniform again if coach ain’t on those sidelines. Love you coach!

— Jose Perez (@showout_zayy0) October 25, 2022

Masiello compiled a 162–177 record with the Jaspers over his 11 years there. Last season, Manhattan finished with a 15–15 record and now RaShawn Stores will serve as the interim coach. Its season starts Nov. 7.