Masiello’s lack of degree costs him USF hoop job

South Florida’s deal to hire Steve Masiello as its new basketball coach has fallen apart because the rising young star doesn’t have a college degree. The Bulls confirmed Wednesday that they had an agreement in principle to lure Masiello away from Manhattan, but that the contract was contingent on “a verification of credentials.” USF requires its basketball coach to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Masiello, 39, did not graduate after attending Kentucky, where he played for Rick Pitino and Tubby Smith from 1996 to 2000. Kentucky spokesman Jay Blanton verified Masiello was a student there from 1996-2000, but did not graduate. Masiello’s bio on Manhattan’s website says the coach graduated from Kentucky in 2000 with a degree in communications. Masiello, a former assistant under Pitino at Louisville, was going to replace former USF coach Stan Heath, who was fired this month. – Associated Press