Fired St. John’s GM defends himself after shocking dismissal

Matt Abdelmassih, St. John’s fired general manager, spoke out Wednesday, the day after the news broke of him being let go. 

The school had been looking into financial deals made by Abdelmassih, and the decision to move on from him was believed to be at least somewhat connected, according to sources.

In the statement, the St. John’s alum wrote that he “operated honestly and transparently, working within the parameters I was given.”

“I’m a proud St. John’s alum. Coming back to Queens wasn’t just a job for me,” Abdelmassih wrote in a letter sent to The Post. “This place is part of my DNA, and I approached the role with that responsibility [in] front of my mind every day.

“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. College sports is in a complicated moment, and I took on that challenge with professionalism, care, and accountability.”

Along with head coach Rick Pitino and associate head coach Steve Masiello, Abdelmassih oversaw St. John’s recruiting in the name, image and likeness (NIL) era.

This year’s budget is thought to be north of $10 million and near the top of the Big East. 

Pitino had the final say in recruiting, and which players St. John’s targeted and brought in.

Abdelmassih negotiated deals with those players and their representatives.

Through the years, he developed a reputation as a top-notch recruiter with a firm grasp of the transfer portal landscape.

He previously worked as an assistant coach at Iowa State, Nebraska and St. John’s, with a brief stint as a player agent. 

“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 wrote.

“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.”