Auburn Tigers continue to expand their international presence ahead of the 2026-27 college basketball season after reportedly securing a commitment from Lithuanian forward Mantas Rubštavičius. The addition further highlights Auburn’s growing emphasis on global recruiting as the program looks to build a stronger roster under head coach Steven Pearl.
Rubštavičius, a 6-foot-6 forward from Lithuania, brings a significant amount of experience despite being only 24 years old. Unlike many traditional college newcomers, he arrives with a professional basketball background that includes playing in some of Europe’s most competitive leagues. Reports indicate that he has spent time competing in the EuroLeague, EuroCup, and with the Lithuanian national team, giving Auburn a mature and seasoned player capable of contributing immediately.
The commitment was first reported by Draft Express and quickly generated excitement among Auburn supporters. Adding a player with international professional experience could provide the Tigers with leadership, versatility, and a polished skill set that may help the team compete in the challenging SEC environment next season.
Rubštavičius becomes the second international player to commit to Auburn’s upcoming roster. Earlier, the Tigers also landed 6-foot-10 center Narcisse Ngoy from France, another talented overseas prospect expected to strengthen Auburn’s frontcourt. Together, the two additions reflect Steven Pearl’s willingness to explore international recruiting avenues as he continues shaping the future of the program.
Auburn’s roster overhaul for next season has been substantial. In total, the Tigers are expected to add eight new players to the program as they prepare for another season of SEC competition. Alongside Rubštavičius and Ngoy, incoming freshman guard Caleb Williams is also set to join the team.
The Tigers have additionally been active in the transfer portal, bringing in several experienced players to reinforce different positions across the roster. Auburn added guard George Kimble III, forwards Adam Olsen and Thomas Dowd, and centers Owen Freeman and Bukky Oboye through the portal process. The large incoming class demonstrates the coaching staff’s aggressive approach to rebuilding and strengthening the team following major offseason roster changes.
These newcomers are expected to join returning contributors Tahaad Pettiford, Kevin Overton, and Simon Walker, who could provide valuable continuity and leadership entering the new campaign. Auburn’s combination of returning talent, transfer additions, and international prospects gives the program a very different look heading into the 2026-27 season.
The Tigers experienced significant roster turnover during the offseason. Auburn lost eight players due to graduation or transfers, including Keyshawn Hall, KeShawn Murphy, Elyjah Freeman, Sebastian Williams-Adams, Emeka Opurum, Kaden Magwood, and Abdul Bashir. Replacing that level of production and depth required a major recruiting effort, and the coaching staff appears determined to reload quickly.
Last season marked Steven Pearl’s first year leading the Auburn basketball program after taking over for his father, longtime head coach Bruce Pearl. Although the Tigers fell short of earning an NCAA Tournament bid, the season still included an impressive late run that helped create optimism for the future.
Auburn rallied during postseason play and captured the program’s first-ever NIT championship after winning five consecutive postseason games. The Tigers finished the season with a 22-16 overall record and went 7-11 in SEC play, showing flashes of potential despite inconsistencies throughout the year.
Now, with a revamped roster featuring both international talent and transfer portal additions, Auburn hopes to take another step forward and return to national prominence during the upcoming season.
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