Auburn University announced Tuesday that Lithuanian forward Mantas Rubštavičius has signed a letter of intent to join the Tigers for the 2026‑27 season, marking the latest addition to the program’s recruiting class.
A strategic addition for the Tigers
At 6‑foot‑6, Rubštavičius brings a blend of size, shooting and defensive versatility that coaches say fits the modern SEC style of play.
The 24‑year‑old’s journey to the Plains has been shaped by stints in multiple European leagues, where he honed a perimeter game that produced double‑digit scoring in several competitions.
His breakout campaign came with Lietkabelis Panevėžys, where he averaged 12.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in the EuroCup, delivering four 15‑point outings and two 20‑point performances in 16 appearances.
Rubštavičius also tested the NBA waters in 2024, participating in the Golden State Warriors’ summer‑league roster before returning to Europe, a path that gave him exposure to a professional environment that few of his peers experience.
Although the 2024 draft cycle passed without a selection, the forward remains focused on translating his European success into a larger role at Auburn, where he hopes to contribute immediately on both ends of the floor.
The commitment underscores Auburn’s continued emphasis on international talent, a strategy that has previously yielded players who have gone on to impact the program at the SEC level.
Steven Pearl, a longtime assistant coach with the program, praised the signing, noting that Rubštavičius’s work ethic and basketball IQ align with the team’s developmental goals.
Jonathan Givony, director of Draft Express, highlighted the player’s draft‑ready profile, suggesting that the upcoming season could serve as a showcase for future professional opportunities.