Auburn has once again gone overseas to bolster its roster, landing a commitment for another talented prospect, according to Draft Express.
The 6-foot-6 guard is a native of Lithuania and brings a strong international background with him to the Plains. Top star has previously played for the NZ Breakers in Australia’s NBL, Lietkabelis in the EuroCup, and Zalgiris in the EuroLeague. At 24 years old, he arrives with significant professional experience and joins a revamped Auburn roster that also includes another European addition in France’s Narcisse Ngoy.
During the 2023–24 season with the Breakers, 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. His versatility stands out, as he can handle the ball and play multiple positions, giving Auburn added flexibility as the Tigers aim to return to the NCAA Tournament after settling for an NIT run last season—and winning it.
Auburn continues to prioritize size
Adding more size and physicality has been a major point of emphasis after Auburn struggled in the paint last year. Along with Rubštavičius, the Tigers have brought in Bukky Oboye (7-foot-1), Own Freeman (6-foot-10), Thomas Dowd (6-foot-8), and Adam Olsen (6-foot-8) to reshape the rotation.
Those additions are expected to help offset several departures. Keshawn Murphy moved on after graduating, while Filip Jovic, Elyjah Freeman, Sebastian Williams-Adams, and Emeku Opurum all transferred to new programs after entering the portal.
Only two players return from last season’s main rotation: Tahaad Pettiford and Kevin Overton. Overton emerged late in the year, scoring in double figures in 14 of Auburn’s final 17 games and topping 20 points in seven of the last 11 contests.
Pettiford heads into his junior season hoping to build off an uneven sophomore campaign that required him to take on a much larger leadership role. He is the lone remaining player from the team that reached the 2025 Final Four and captured the 2024–25 SEC regular-season title.