Mantas Rubstavicius, Auburn wing, sues NCAA in attempt to gain eligibility, per report
By Jacob Moss
Published:
The 2026 college basketball season is just a couple of weeks away from officially tipping off, and that means that programs around the country are putting the finishing touches on their respective rosters.
Much like college football a couple of months back, though, the murky nature of NCAA eligibility rules has led many players to take the governing body of college athletics to court in an effort to play in the upcoming campaign.
Auburn Tigers wing Lithuanian national Mantas Rubstavicius looks to be the latest high-profile college hooper to take this route, with 247Sports insider Nathan King reporting on Wednesday that the 6-6 forward has officially filed a lawsuit against the NCAA.
he 24-year-old European big man was the final commit for the Tigers in the 2026 recruiting cycle, but he spent the previous 6 years before that playing for various pro clubs in both the EuroCup and EuroLeague.
Rubstavicius committed to the Tigers shortly before the NCAA released new rules imposing stricter eligibility requirements on overseas players with pro playing experience, and he was ruled ineligible after arriving on campus in June. He appealed the decision multiple times, but the NCAA stood fast in its decision, leading Rubstavicius to seek legal action.
It will be interesting to see how this ends up playing out in the courts, and whether or not the talented Lithuanian wing will be able to suit up for Auburn at some point during the upcoming season.
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