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Auburn is in search of a new basketball general manager with the 2026-27 season tip-off only days away. The Tigers have dismissed general manager Brian Kloman following a recruiting controversy surrounding Lithuanian wing Mantas Rubstavicius, as reported by On3's Justin Hokanson. The core of the issue revolves around Rubstavicius's eligibility to compete at the college level.
Rubstavicius, 24, had been attempting to join Auburn for the upcoming season despite having previously played professionally in Lithuania. Earlier this month, he filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in an effort to secure eligibility. However, according to On3, it was discovered that Rubstavicius had taken college courses in Lithuania before his professional career began. Auburn's program and the school were reportedly unaware of this fact until late last week, which further complicated his eligibility case.
On Monday, Rubstavicius chose to withdraw his lawsuit and will return to Europe to resume his professional playing career. "Mantas is an exceptional young man with a bright future ahead of him," Auburn coach Steven Pearl said in a statement to AuburnSports. "We appreciate the time he spent as part of the Auburn basketball family and wish him nothing but success as he takes this next step in his career. We look forward to following his success both on and off the court."
Kloman was terminated over the incident, as he reportedly was aware of Rubstavicius's previous college coursework but did not inform anyone else at Auburn. Kloman had only been hired in March after a previous stint at Louisville. Auburn went 22-16 and missed the NCAA tournament last season, the first under Steven's watch after he took over for his father, Bruce Pearl. The Tigers will open the season next Wednesday against Southeast Louisiana.
Key Analysis
While the loss of a college general manager shouldn't send a program immediately into chaos, the timing of it is undoubtedly poor. And Rubstavicius would have provided a huge boost for the Tigers this season. Now, Steven will have to lead his program without either of them available.
Originally reported by yahoo.