A New Era for the Scarlet Knights
Rutgers basketball has secured a commitment from Mervedi Miteo, a 17‑year‑old power forward from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who currently plies his trade in Spain's top professional league.
Standing 6‑foot‑10 and weighing 260 pounds, Miteo brings a rare blend of size and skill, having averaged 11.9 points and 7.6 rebounds in the Spanish under‑22 circuit while shooting 54.2 percent from the field and 58.1 percent from the free‑throw line. He also contributed 5.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game for Congo's 2025‑26 FIBA World Cup squad, logging just 16 minutes per appearance.
His addition completes a roster that blends six returning players, four transfers and five newcomers, four of whom arrive from overseas. The Scarlet Knights' depth chart lists seven guards, three wings and six bigs, positioning Miteo as the first true power forward on the 2026‑27 squad.
Coach Steve Pikiell emphasized that the newcomer will bolster the team's interior presence, noting that the blend of experience and youthful talent creates a competitive environment for all members, including returning guard Isaiah Wong, forward Mike Tobey, guard Will Sydnor, wing Martin Tonejc, forward Lewis Duarte, guard Tariq Francis, forward Lino Mark, guard Jamichael Davis, forward Rasheed Jones, guard Kaden Powers, forward Imahri Wooten, guard Max Fradkin, guard Darren Buchanan, guard Darin Smith, forward Diego Garavaglia, guard Christian Gurdak, guard Gevonte Ware, forward Dorin Buca, and analyst Jerry Carino, who will all vie for minutes.
The international flavor extends beyond Miteo, with the program drawing talent from Spain's Canary Islands, Barcelona and the broader basketball landscape, while the university's affiliation with FIBA underscores its global connections.