The seek for an influence ahead for Rutgers basketball’s 2026-27 roster introduced head coach Steve Pikiell abroad to measurement up an under-the-radar prospect he is very excessive on.
It resulted in a dedication from Mervedi Miteo, who performs in Spain.
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Listed below are three issues to know concerning the 6-foot-10, 260-pound native of the Congo.
Head coach Steve Pikiell of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights gestures to his gamers throughout the Gamers Period Championship basketball match at MGM Grand Backyard Area on November 25, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
1. He is a 17-year-old Spanish-league professional
Miteo turns 18 in December, however he has some fascinating expertise. He not too long ago joined Draemland Gran Canaria, knowledgeable basketball membership primarily based in Spain’s Canary Islands. They’re in Liga ACB Spain’s high pro-ball division.
Miteo suited up for them eight occasions this previous spring. Most appearances had been cameos. On Could 3 he logged six factors on 2-of-3 area objectives, one rebound, one steal, one turnover and 4 fouls in six minutes throughout a 22-point loss to Barcelona. Amongst his teammates there have been former standout Miami guard Isaiah Wong and former Virginia heart Mike Tobey, who was ACC Sixth Man of the Yr in 2016.
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Beforehand, Miteo performed for Gran Canaria’s group in Spain’s under-22 league and averaged 11.9 factors and seven.6 rebounds (together with 2.6 offensive boards) in 21.7 minutes whereas capturing 54.2 % from the sector and 58.1 % from the free-throw line (he additionally shot 2-of-16 from 3-point vary).
He additionally performed internationally on Congo’s 2025-26 FIBA World Cup group, showing in three contests and averaging 5.7 factors and 4.7 rebounds in 16 minutes. He was the youngest participant on the squad.
2. He might begin at energy ahead
Miteo is the primary true energy ahead on Rutgers’ 2026-27 roster. The Scarlet Knights had two combo forwards within the fold in Manhattan switch Will Sydnor and Slovenian import Martin Tonejc, however neither has Large Ten four-man heft (each are listed at 210 kilos). Miteo provides Pikiell some flexibility if he needs to make use of a lineup that’s massive throughout the three-four-five spots.
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Hailed for his aggression and physicality, with a physique that matches the half, that is the kind of participant you are taking an opportunity with at this stage of roster building.
3. The roster is completed; Lewis Duarte is out
The addition of Miteo leaves Rutgers’ 2026-27 roster full at 16 gamers (the restrict is 15, however third-year walk-on Max Fradkin is grandfathered below the outdated guidelines and would not depend in opposition to the restrict). Dominican Republic guard Lewis Duarte, who introduced his dedication within the spring, won’t be on the group on account of eligibility points.
Of their 15 scholarship gamers, the Scarlet Knights returned six from final season, introduced in 4 transfers and 5 school basketball newcomers. 4 of the newcomers arrive immediately from abroad in an try to mine the overseas market with larger our bodies after lacking on two guards final season.
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Rutgers’ projected 2026-27 depth chart
Guards (7): Tariq Francis, Lino Mark, Jamichael Davis, Rasheed Jones, Kaden Powers, Imahri Wooten, Max Fradkin (walk-on).
Wings (3): Darren Buchanan, Darin Smith, Diego Garavaglia.
Bigs (6): Christian Gurdak, Mervedi Miteo, Will Sydnor, Gevonte Ware, Dorin Buca, Martin Tonejc.
