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Auburn basketball fires GM Brian Kloman. What went wrong with Mantas Rubstavicius?
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- Auburn basketball fires GM Brian Kloman. What went wrong with Mantas Rubstavicius?
Auburn basketball has fired general manager Brian Kloman following information that showed Kloman failed to disclose eligibility requirements regarding international signee Mantas Rubstavicius, the Montgomery Advertiser, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported Monday, Oct. 26.
Rubstavicius also voluntarily ended his eligibility lawsuit, meaning he won't play for Auburn this season. Both changes regarding Kloman and Rubstavicius were confirmed by Auburn , per the report.
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Kloman was aware of Rubstavicius having previously enrolled in college classes overseas, but didn't tell Auburn or Rubstavicius' representation, per the report. Rubstavicius declined to sign an affidavit that stated he had never enrolled in college, which led to him dismissing his lawsuit.
Kloman was fired just seven months into his tenure.
"Rather than continue with the uncertainty associated with my ongoing lawsuit, I have decided to pursue an opportunity in Europe," Rubstavicius said in a statement. "I want to thank the Auburn administration, Coach [Steven] Pearl, and my teammates for all their support during my time here. I wish them all success."
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Rubstavicius, a 6-6 guard from Lithuania, never competed in college, nor signed an NBA or G League contract, although he played in 2024 Summer League for the Golden State Warriors. The 24-year-old played professionally for Zalgiris Kaunas of the Lithuanian Basketball League before signing with the Tigers.
Rubstavicius' final appeal regarding his eligibility was denied in October. According to court documents cited in the report, he had also already signed "binding" revenue-sharing contracts and financial aid agreements with Auburn.
Kloman, a longtime staffer of Louisville coach Pat Kelsey, was with Kelsey for 11 years across stops at Winthrop, College of Charleston and Louisville.
"Mantas is an exceptional young man with a bright future ahead of him," Pearl said in a statement. "We appreciate the time he spent as part of our 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."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Auburn basketball fires GM Brian Kloman. What went wrong with Mantas Rubstavicius?
