The University of Manhattan (UM) found out two months ago their basketball coach did not have a college degree, so Steve Masiello completed his degree to remain eligible.
UM was reportedly under the impression Masiello completed his degree at Kentucky, but a recent information check revealed otherwise. Jay Blanton, Kentucky's executive director of public relations and marketing, told ESPN Masiello had finished his degree.
Masiello's educational history was put into question when the UM coach accepted the head coaching job at USF and conducted a background check. After being denied the USF job, UM placed Masiello on leave and told him they would reinstate him when he completed his degree.
"After an extensive review of the situation and extenuating circumstances, we determined that Mr. Masiello executed poor judgment but did not intentionally misrepresent himself in applying to the college," UM president Brennan O'Donnell said in a statement released in April. "After participating in graduation ceremonies at the University of Kentucky, he enrolled in summer courses with the intention of completing his degree, but never followed through to make sure that the degree was awarded.
"We appreciate the counsel of all involved in assessing this complex situation. Our policy was always that the coach must have at least a four-year undergraduate degree. We are confident that Mr. Masiello will be able to complete his degree this summer and return soon thereafter to resume his duties."
Masiello was Rick Pitino's assistant coach at Louisville from 2005 to 2011 and became the coach at Manhattan in 2011. He also played for Pitino for a season out of his four-year playing career at Kentucky. Since, the two have maintained a close friendship where Pitino acted as a mentor figure to the UM coach. Masiello also let UM believe he graduated from Kentucky.
Neither Masiello nor UM commented on the coach's degree.
