Auburn basketball continues to reshape its roster with an emphasis on size, versatility, and international talent, as the Tigers secured a commitment from Lithuanian standout Mantas Rubštavičius on Friday.
The addition gives head coach Steven Pearl another experienced international player as Auburn works to rebuild following a disappointing season that ended outside the NCAA Tournament. While the Tigers managed to capture the NIT championship, the program entered the offseason determined to add more physicality and lineup flexibility after struggling in the paint against stronger opponents throughout the year.
Rubštavičius arrives at Auburn with a unique résumé and extensive professional experience despite still being only 24 years old. The 6-foot-6 Lithuanian guard has already competed in several respected international leagues, including stints with the NZ Breakers in Australia’s National Basketball League, Lietkabelis in the EuroCup, and powerhouse club Zalgiris in the EuroLeague.
His international background is viewed as a major asset for Auburn, particularly because of the maturity and professional-level experience he brings compared to a typical college newcomer. During his time with the NZ Breakers in the 2023–24 season, Rubštavičius averaged 9.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game while shooting an impressive 43.3 percent from three-point range.
Beyond the numbers, Auburn values his versatility. Rubštavičius is capable of handling the basketball, creating offense, and defending multiple positions, giving the Tigers flexibility across several lineup combinations. Coaches believe his ability to play multiple roles on the floor could become especially valuable in a faster, more positionless system.
His commitment also continues Auburn’s growing international recruiting trend. Rubštavičius joins fellow European addition Narcisse Ngoy from France as part of a broader effort to add experienced and physically mature talent to the roster.
The Tigers’ offseason strategy has clearly centered around improving size and interior toughness after being overpowered physically at times last season. In addition to Rubštavičius, Auburn has added several frontcourt pieces, including Bukky Oboye, Own Freeman, Thomas Dowd, and Adam Olsen.
Those additions are intended to help offset significant roster turnover. Auburn lost multiple contributors from last year’s team, including graduating veteran Keshawn Murphy, while several others departed through the transfer portal to continue their careers elsewhere.
Despite the roster overhaul, Auburn still retains a pair of important returning contributors in Tahaad Pettiford and Kevin Overton.
Overton emerged as one of the Tigers’ most reliable scorers late last season, finishing the year on a strong offensive run with multiple high-scoring performances. Meanwhile, Pettiford enters his junior season carrying greater leadership responsibilities after experiencing an inconsistent sophomore campaign. As one of the few remaining players connected to Auburn’s recent Final Four and SEC championship success, he is expected to play a major role in guiding the program’s rebuilt roster.
With international additions, increased frontcourt size, and experienced returning pieces, Auburn is clearly attempting to construct a more physical and balanced team capable of returning to the NCAA Tournament conversation next season.
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