Rutgers GM Rob Sullivan details roster build behind 2026-27 Scarlet Knights

In his first offseason as general manager, Sullivan explains how retention, the transfer portal and international recruiting shaped a 15-player Rutgers roster.

Rob Sullivan has completed his first offseason as Rutgers basketball's general manager, and the result is a full 15-scholarship roster featuring five transfers, three international players and one traditional freshman. Most of the team's top players from last season were retained. Sullivan, hired last fall, described his role as executing head coach Steve Pikiell's vision through portal research, NIL discussions and relationships with agents.

Sullivan told Yahoo Sports that retention was a year-long process. He attended nearly every practice and traveled to road games to evaluate the roster before the season ended. Deputy athletic director Keli Zinn, he said, provided the financial resources needed to keep priority players and attract talent capable of competing in the Big Ten.

Among the transfer additions is center Christian Gurdak, whom Sullivan first noticed after a standout performance against Virginia that included 19 rebounds and an ACC freshman record. Other transfers include Will Sydnor, Darin Smith and Rasheed Jones. Sullivan said the staff prioritized size, scheme fit and shooting when pursuing portal targets.

On the international front, Sullivan said every prospect must be evaluated in person by a Rutgers staff member, and all three newcomers have played for their national teams or professional clubs. He believes younger international players entering as freshmen will become more common, while older professionals may face eligibility hurdles.

Sullivan also addressed the Protect College Sports Act, calling it a step toward a level playing field with consistent rules. He said the program stayed aggressive within NCAA compliance guidelines and opted against fifth-year players. Rutgers also recently secured two four-star commitments in the 2027 high school class.