Auburn international signee Mantas Rubštavičius is suing the NCAA as he works to gain eligibility for the 2026-27 season, according to Nathan King of Auburn247. The suit is taking place in Alabama court, and Auburn released a statement saying they support his lawsuit.
"We are aware of the court filing made by Mantas Rubštavičius and have informed both the SEC and NCAA," an Auburn basketball spokesperson told King on Wednesday. "Auburn supports Mantas' right to seek clarity regarding his eligibility through the legal process. Auburn also continues to fully support the SEC's recent rule on former professionals returning to college sports, which we do not believe is implicated in any way under Mantas' alleged facts."
Rubštavičius officially signed
with Auburn on June 23 and is currently listed on their online roster. The 6-foot-6 guard is from Panevezys, Lithuania, and played for Žalgiris Kaunas in the Lithuanian basketball league last season.
He averaged 7.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, helping them go 31-1. He has been playing in the Lithuanian and Australian basketball leagues for the past eight years and has played for the Lithuanian national team at several levels. He spent the 2024 season with Lietkabelis, averaging 13.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.
Head coach Steven Pearl announced last week that international signee Narcisse Ngoy has been cleared by the NCAA to play this season, but said they were still working to get Rubstavicius eligible. The Tigers are set to open the season against Southeastern Louisiana on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn guard suing NCAA for eligibility
