Auburn fired its basketball general manager, Brian Kloman, who was hired away from Louisville this past March, multiple outlets reported on Monday.
Kloman reportedly was the primary recruiter of Mantas Rubstavicius, a 24-year-old Lithuanian whom Auburn expected to play a significant role this season. Rubstavicius recently sued the NCAA after being ruled ineligible for the 2026-27 campaign.
Sources told Auburn247 that Rubstavicius had enrolled in university courses in Europe and that Kloman knew it.
The previously undisclosed coursework reportedly damaged Rubstavicius’ eligibility case, prompting him to withdraw his lawsuit Monday. Kloman’s alleged failure to inform other Auburn officials led to his dismissal, according to the reports.
“Rather than continue with the uncertainty associated with my ongoing lawsuit, I have decided to pursue an opportunity in Europe,” Rubstavicius said via 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.”
Pearl took over for his father, Bruce, last fall. Auburn went 22-16 (7-11 SEC) while missing the NCAA Tournament.
“Mantas is an exceptional young man with a bright future ahead of him,” a statement from Pearl read. “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.”
