Ngoy is especially notable because he was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the 57th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, yet he has maintained his intention to play for Auburn. His situation is unusual because the Clippers can retain his NBA rights while he continues his college career, giving Auburn a potentially significant frontcourt piece if he receives clearance.
Rubštavičius is another important addition for the Tigers. The Lithuanian wing was brought in as a versatile perimeter player and has been described as a strong shooting option who can provide Auburn with additional spacing and offensive flexibility.
The uncertainty surrounding their eligibility stems from evolving NCAA rules affecting international players and their previous involvement with professional basketball. New NCAA guidance has created questions about how certain international players’ prior experiences and professional-team relationships should be evaluated before they are cleared to compete.
For Auburn, the timing could not be more important. The Tigers are preparing for the upcoming season, and the coaching staff needs to know which players will actually be available when competitive games begin. Losing either Ngoy or Rubštavičius, even temporarily, could force Auburn to adjust its rotation and redistribute minutes among the rest of the roster.
Ngoy’s potential availability is particularly significant because of his size and frontcourt presence. Auburn would benefit from having a player capable of providing size and athleticism inside, especially against teams with strong frontcourt rotations. His development could also be important over the course of the season as Auburn attempts to build a roster capable of competing in the SEC.
Rubštavičius offers a different skill set. His ability to play on the wing and stretch the floor could give Auburn another offensive option. Having a reliable perimeter shooter can create more room for Auburn’s guards and big men, making his eligibility potentially just as important to the team’s overall offensive structure.
The uncertainty has therefore created an unusual situation for Auburn. The Tigers have added players they clearly believe can help the program, but they cannot completely plan their rotation until the NCAA finishes reviewing their eligibility.
There is also a broader issue at play. College basketball has changed dramatically in recent years, particularly with the growth of international recruiting, NIL opportunities and players maintaining relationships with professional organizations. The NCAA is now having to navigate increasingly complicated situations involving players who have experience in professional environments before entering or returning to college basketball.
Ngoy’s situation illustrates just how unusual the modern college game has become. After being drafted by the Clippers, he still intends to play for Auburn, with Los Angeles retaining his NBA rights. That arrangement has generated significant interest because it represents a rare situation in which an NBA-drafted player can continue developing in college.
For Auburn fans, the immediate priority is simply getting an answer.
The longer the eligibility process remains unresolved, the more difficult it becomes for the coaching staff to finalize its plans. Coaches can prepare multiple scenarios, but knowing whether Ngoy and Rubštavičius are available would allow the Tigers to establish clearer rotations and roles.
The good news is that the latest reporting indicates Auburn is actively awaiting clearance rather than that either player has been ruled ineligible. That distinction is important. Their status remains unresolved, meaning there is still a path for both players to receive approval and join the Tigers on the court.
Auburn’s preseason preparations could therefore become an important period for the program. The Tigers recently traveled to Greece for exhibition competition, giving the team an opportunity to develop chemistry and evaluate its roster while these eligibility questions remain in the background.
If both international additions are ultimately cleared, Auburn could enter the season with two more intriguing pieces at its disposal. Ngoy could provide frontcourt depth and athleticism, while Rubštavičius could give the team another perimeter scoring threat.
If either player is unavailable, however, Auburn would have to adjust quickly.
