Rutgers University has officially added a handful of players who will don the Scarlet Knights jersey for the upcoming 2026‑27 season. The announcements come as the program looks to deepen its talent pool and inject a global flavor into its on‑court identity.
Mervedi Miteo, a 6‑foot‑10 forward/center from the Democratic Republic of Congo, arrives after a season spent in Spain’s youth and reserve system with Gran Canaria. The 19‑year‑old was the youngest ever to earn a senior cap for the Congolese national team and posted a 6.3‑point, 3.8‑rebound line in limited minutes against senior international competition, shooting a crisp 55 % from the field, 50 % beyond the arc and 67 % from the line.
Diego Garavaglia, a 6‑foot‑7 guard/forward from Milan, brings a bronze‑medal pedigree from the FIBA U18 European Championship and a year in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga with Ratiopharm Ulm. There he shot 51.3 % on two‑point attempts, showcasing a polished inside‑out game that should stretch defenses and open driving lanes.
A Global Mix of Talent
Martin Tonejc, a 6‑foot‑9 forward from Jesenice, Slovenia, capped his 2024‑25 campaign with Cedevita Olimpija by helping the club capture the Slovenian National Championship. He averaged 17.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists, a versatility that translates well to the physical demands of the Big Ten.
Rasheed Jones, a 6‑foot‑6 guard from Marion, Indiana, enters the program with a strong collegiate résumé. In the 2025‑26 season he posted 14.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and a steal per game, praised for his size, defensive intensity and reliable shooting.
Dorin Buca, a 7‑foot‑2 center from Perugia, Italy, stands among the tallest players in Rutgers history. During the 2025‑26 season he contributed 3.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, and led Kansas State with 35 blocked shots, adding a protective presence near the rim.
Head coach Steve Pikiell emphasized that the new arrivals are expected to complement the existing core while bringing diverse skill sets and cultural perspectives. The coaching staff believes the blend of size, shooting and playmaking will elevate the team’s competitiveness in conference play and on the national stage.
The Scarlet Knights enter the new season with a roster that reflects a deliberate strategy of recruiting talent from across the globe. Fans can anticipate a dynamic style of play that leverages the international experience of each signee, aiming to translate that edge into wins from the opening tip‑off.