With preparations for the 2026-27 college basketball season continuing, Auburn has officially welcomed its two highly anticipated international newcomers to campus, giving head coach Steven Pearl a pair of talented frontcourt additions expected to address one of the team’s biggest weaknesses from last season.
French center Narcisse Ngoy arrived on the Plains earlier this week, while Lithuanian wing Mantas Rubstavicius recently joined the program after completing his professional commitments overseas. Their arrivals mark an important step in Auburn’s offseason rebuild as the Tigers look to add more size, versatility, and defensive presence heading into the new campaign.
Standing 6-foot-7, Rubstavicius immediately becomes one of the tallest and most experienced players on Auburn’s roster. The Lithuanian committed to the Tigers in May, but his official arrival was delayed until the conclusion of his season with Žalgiris in the EuroLeague.
Although new to college basketball, Rubstavicius brings years of professional experience, making him one of the more unique additions in the country. The 24-year-old has been competing professionally since 2018, first developing in Lithuania before spending the 2023-24 season in Australia’s National Basketball League. His résumé also includes participation in the NBA G League Elite Camp and appearances for the Golden State Warriors during NBA Summer League competition.
His extensive international experience is expected to help him transition quickly into Auburn’s system despite never previously playing in the NCAA.
Pearl already sees striking similarities between Rubstavicius and former Auburn standout Chad Baker-Mazara, particularly in the way both players impact the game offensively.
According to the Auburn coach, Rubstavicius possesses the rare combination of perimeter shooting and ball-screen playmaking that is difficult to find in players at his position. Pearl praised the Lithuanian’s basketball IQ, defensive instincts, and ability to consistently make winning plays rather than relying solely on elite athleticism.
The comparison naturally brings both excitement and caution among Auburn supporters.
Baker-Mazara developed into one of the Tigers’ most dynamic players during his time in Auburn, earning praise for his scoring ability and versatility. However, his career was also marked by controversy, including an early ejection during Auburn’s NCAA Tournament loss to Yale that significantly affected the team’s postseason run.
His relationship with the program became even more complicated after transferring to USC, where his tenure ultimately ended before the season concluded, leaving mixed feelings among many Auburn fans.
For Auburn, the hope is that Rubstavicius can replicate Baker-Mazara’s on-court production while avoiding the off-court distractions that occasionally overshadowed his predecessor’s accomplishments.
Beyond his offensive versatility, Rubstavicius is expected to strengthen a Tigers roster that struggled at times in the paint last season. His length, experience, and defensive awareness should complement Ngoy’s interior presence as Auburn attempts to become a more balanced team on both ends of the floor.
Pearl acknowledged that both international newcomers are still working through the final stages of joining the program, including campus clearance and individual workouts. Once fully integrated, the coaching staff plans to evaluate how quickly they adapt to Auburn’s offensive and defensive systems.
With the team taking a brief break during the Fourth of July holiday before resuming summer practices, Pearl expressed optimism about seeing both newcomers begin practicing with their teammates for the first time.
The Tigers believe the additions of Rubstavicius and Ngoy could significantly reshape the roster heading into the upcoming season, providing Auburn with experienced international talent capable of making an immediate impact in one of college basketball’s most competitive conferences.
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