Rutgers Finalizes Roster With Romanian Forward Badalau

Rutgers basketball has finalized its 2025-26 roster by signing Romanian forward Denis Badalau, their second European addition this offseason after Bosnian Harun Zrno. Badalau, who is 18 or 19 years old depending on the source, played professionally for Dolomiti Energia Trentino in Italy’s top league and is recognized for his three-point shooting. He made a significant impact at the FIBA U20 Division B with averages of 15.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. The roster moves come as key players Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper depart, prompting head coach Steve Pikiell to focus on international recruits and a return to defensive intensity. The team now has 13 scholarship players, with the final two spots expected to be filled by walk-ons. Rutgers fans are cautiously optimistic that the new international talent will help the program rebound after previous transfer challenges.