Breaking News out of the Plains! The final roster spot for Steven Pearl’s second season as head coach has been filled. Join Ike Jones on this episode of The Auburn Express, powered by The War Rapport, as we break down the high-impact commitment of Lithuanian wing Mantas Rubštavičius.

At 24 years old, Mantas brings a wealth of professional pedigree to Auburn, having played in the EuroLeague, the NBL in New Zealand, and even a stint with the Golden State Warriors’ Summer League team. We dive into how his "pro-caliber ability" and veteran composure will immediately elevate the Tigers' perimeter play.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Profile: Why the 6’6" wing is a "three-and-D" prototype with a quick trigger that reminds many of Chad Baker-Mazara.
The Roster Fit: How Mantas completes a versatile, "switchable" starting five alongside Tahaad Pettiford, Kevin Overton, Thomas Dowd, and Bukky Aboye.
Offensive Firepower: Why Auburn’s three-point shooting and floor spacing should be "drastically better" this season with more guys who can generate their own shots.
The Eligibility Factor: A look at the NCAA’s "five and five" rule and why Rubštavičius will likely join the Tigers as a senior for the 2026-27 campaign.
Defensive Questions: Can this new-look squad lock down for 40 minutes? We analyze the potential for elite rim protection and improved perimeter defense.

With the roster now officially set, the Tigers are primed for a serious postseason push. Tune in for the full scouting report and a look at the projected scoring breakdown for the upcoming season.

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