AMES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa State assistant Matt Abdelmassih is leaving for a similar position at St. John’s. Abdelmassih, the lone remaining member of coach Fred Hoiberg’s original staff from 2010-11, was a student manager at St. John’s from 2004-07. He announced his departure from Iowa State on his Twitter account Tuesday, saying that St. John’s holds a “special place” in his heart.

Abdelmassih will reunite with the Red Storm and former star Chris Mullin. A person with knowledge of the discussions told The Associated Press on Monday that Mullin has agreed to coach the Red Storm.

Abdelmassih was considered Hoiberg’s top recruiter, helping sign Royce White, DeAndre Kane and current starter Jameel McKay. He says Iowa State will be a “ridiculously hard place to leave.”