Rutgers basketball GM Rob Sullivan on how 2026-27 roster came together

In the offseason following Rutgers' 2025-26 basketball season, General Manager Rob Sullivan worked diligently to build a strong roster for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign. According to Sullivan, the foundation of his approach is Coach Pikiell's vision, which he executes through various means such as portal intelligence, NIL conversations, and agent relationships.

Sullivan emphasized the financial support provided by Rutgers Athletic Director Keli Zinn, which enabled the team to attract top-tier talent capable of competing at the Big Ten level. Most of the team's top players from the previous season were retained, as Sullivan spent significant time observing practices and traveling to away games to assess and evaluate the roster's potential.

When it came to finding skilled players in the transfer portal, Sullivan noted that he had been monitoring players since the beginning of the year. One such player was Christian Gurdak, who caught his eye during a standout performance against Virginia. Sullivan's personal connection with Gurdak's agent facilitated the transfer.

For Will Sydnor, Darin Smith, and Rasheed Jones, Sullivan's priority was to emphasize size, style of play, shooting, and overall fit with the team's scheme. The international players were primarily pursued through established relationships with various agencies, requiring in-person evaluations by Rutgers staff. These international prospects are expected to benefit from the growing influence of international players in the NBA and the NCAA's welcoming attitude towards their eligibility.

Navigating the legal and regulatory complexities of NCAA rules and eligibility was crucial in maintaining compliance. Sullivan was cautious in avoiding any attempts to recruit fifth-year players, prioritizing adherence to NCAA rules and regulations throughout the process.

With the roster limit set at 15 scholarship players, Sullivan aimed to maintain depth and competition, especially during practices. The financial resources provided by Keli allowed this approach. Additionally, Sullivan remains committed to high school recruiting, with three players on the roster nearing the end of their eligibility. These high school recruits offer potential fresh talent and will contribute to the team's growth and development.