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Manhattan's Steve Masiello to return as head coach after degree completion

Steve Masiello coached Manhattan to the Round of 64 in this year's NCAA touranment. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Steve Masiello

Manhattan College will allow men's head basketball coach Steve Masiello to return to his position after he completes his undergraduate degree, the school announced.

The school said that during Masiello's absence, associate head coach Matt Grady will lead the program as interim head coach.

Masiello was set to take the South Florida job and had agreed to a deal before a background check revealed that he had not completed his degree when he attended the University of Kentucky.

South Florida instead hired Kentucky assistant Orlando Antigua. Manhattan placed Masiello on leave while reviewing his academic standing at Kentucky.

 “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.  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." Manhattan president Brennan O’Donnell said.

This season, Masiello led Manhattan to a 25-8 mark and a NCAA tournament berth before losing to Louisville in the second round. He's coached the Jaspers to a 60-39 record in three seasons at the school.

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