Alvaro Folgueiras Transfers to Iowa, Bolstering Big Ten Hopefuls
Iowa Hawkeyes land Horizon League Player of the Year, Alvaro Folgueiras, adding important talent to their roster in a major transfer portal victory. The move positions Iowa as a potential preseason dark horse in the Big Ten.
iowa Lands Talented Forward Alvaro Folgueiras From Robert Morris
Alvaro Folgueiras, the standout forward from Robert Morris, has officially committed to the University of Iowa. The 6-foot-9 Spaniard, named Horizon League Player of the Year, chose the Hawkeyes after also being considered by Kentucky. Folgueiras’ agents confirmed the decision, signaling a key addition for new Iowa head coach Ben McCollum as he rebuilds the program.
Folgueiras Brings Scoring Prowess, Rebounding to Iowa
Folgueiras is coming off a stellar season where he averaged 14.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. His notable shooting percentages (.548/.413/.748) highlight his efficiency from the field, 3-point line, and free-throw line. Folgueiras played a pivotal role in leading Robert Morris to the NCAA Tournament,where they gave Alabama a scare as a No. 15 seed.
Hawkeyes Building a Strong Roster Through Transfer Portal
Folgueiras joins a rapidly improving Iowa squad that has already secured commitments from several other transfers, most notably star point guard Bennett Stirtz. Stirtz followed McCollum from Drake, indicating a strong belief in the coach’s vision for the Hawkeyes.With these key additions, expectations are rising for Iowa as they look to make a splash in the Big Ten.
Kentucky Wildcats Roster Update
While Kentucky missed out on Folgueiras, the Wildcats have been active in the transfer portal themselves, securing commitments from several key players:
- Kam williams (G, Tulane): Averaged 9.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, shot 48.5% FG, 41.2% 3PT.
- Jaland Lowe (G,Pittsburgh): Averaged 16.8 PPG, 5.5 APG, 4.2 RPG, shot 37.6% FG, 26.6% 3PT.
- Mouhamed Dioubate (F, Alabama): Averaged 7.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.1 APG, shot 61.7% FG, 46.2% 3PT.
- Jayden Quaintance
Kentucky Wildcats Reload Roster with Key Transfers and Returning Talent
The Kentucky wildcats are actively reshaping their basketball roster for the upcoming season, securing commitments from promising transfers and welcoming back key players. With a blend of new talent and returning experience, the Wildcats aim to be a formidable force in college basketball.
New Additions via Transfer Portal
Kentucky has bolstered its frontcourt with the addition of two notable transfers:
- Amari Williams: A 6-10 forward from Drexel, Williams brings significant experience and defensive prowess. During his time at Drexel, he averaged 13.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, showcasing his ability to impact both ends of the court.Committed 4/7
- Oumar Ballo: The 7-foot center from Arizona is set to make an immediate impact. Last season, Ballo averaged 12.9 points and 10.1 rebounds while boasting a field goal percentage of 65.8%. Committed 4/16
- Kerr Kriisa: Transferring from West Virginia, the guard brings playmaking abilities to the Wildcats. He averaged 11.0 points and 4.7 assists, proving his court awareness. Due to a suspension, he can play after Kentucky’s first nine games in the upcoming season. Committed 4/19
- Andrew Carr: Hailing from Wake Forest, the 6-10 forward contributed 13.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His efficiency is highlighted by his 52.6% field goal percentage and 37.0% from three-point range. Committed 4/21
- Lamont Butler: Joining from San Diego State, the guard averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 42.0% from the field. Committed 4/25
- Jaxson Robinson: Previously at BYU, the guard brings scoring firepower, having averaged 14.2 points per game. Committed 5/17
- Ugonna Onyenso: The 7-foot-1 center committed to Kentucky after withdrawing from the transfer portal. During the 2023-24 season, Onyenso posted 3.6 points,4.1 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game during his time on the court. Committed 05/22
- Brandon Angel: From Stanford, the 6-foot-8 forward averaged 13.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, while shooting 44.7% from the field. Committed 05/28
- Koby brea: The 6-foot-6 guard from dayton averaged 11.1 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 51.0% from the field.Committed 05/31
- Ansley Almonor: from Fairleigh Dickinson, the 6-foot-7 forward averaged 16.4 points and 5.1 rebounds. Committed 06/03
- Jordan Burks: The 6-foot-9 wing comes to the Wildcats with great potential. Committed 06/05
- Adou Thiero: Standing at 6-foot-8, the wing averaged 7.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. Committed 06/17
- Somto Cyril: The 6-foot-10 center from Overtime Elite (Atlanta, GA). He averaged 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks while shooting 52.5% from the field.Committed 4/8
- Andrija Jelavic: The center from Mega Basket is set to join Kentucky and averaged 10.8 points,6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 50.3% from the field and 32.3% from three-point range. Committed 4/12
Key Returnees and Incoming Freshmen
The Wildcats will also benefit from the return of several players and the addition of highly-touted freshmen:
- Otega Oweh: The rising senior guard averaged 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 49.2% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range during his Sophomore year. Going through NBA draft process
- Brandon garrison: The rising junior center confirmed his return. He posted 5.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists on 50.9% shooting during his freshman year. Confirmed return on 4/12
- Collin Chandler: The rising sophomore guard looks to increase his impact after contributing 2.7 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 0.7 assists while shooting 36.1% from the field and 34.7% from three during his freshman year. Confirmed return on 4/17
- Travis Perry: The rising sophomore point guard looks to improve from his freshman year where he posted 2.7 points, 0.8 rebounds,and 0.6 assists, while shooting 31.3% from the field and 32.1% from three.
- Trent Noah: The rising sophomore forward confirmed his return on 4/18. He averaged 2.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.4 assists while shooting 45.1% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range during his freshman year. Confirmed return on 4/18
- Malachi Moreno: An incoming freshman center from Great Crossing High School (Georgetown, KY), Moreno is poised to develop his game with the Wildcats.
- Jasper Johnson: An incoming freshman shooting guard from Overtime Elite (Lexington, KY), Johnson adds to the team’s Kentucky-bred talent.
Q: Given Kentucky’s massive influx of transfers and returning players, how will Coach Calipari manage playing time and team chemistry?
College Basketball Transfer Portal & Roster Update Q&A
Q&A: Decoding the Transfer portal & Roster Moves
Q: What’s the buzz about Alvaro Folgueiras joining Iowa?
A: Iowa landed the Horizon League Player of the Year, a 6’9″ forward from Robert Morris. Folgueiras brings scoring (14.1 PPG), rebounding (9.1 RPG), and efficient shooting to Iowa.
Q: Why is this transfer a big deal for Iowa?
A: It significantly boosts Iowa’s roster in readiness for the Big Ten. He is expected to contribute immediately.
Q: Who else is Iowa bringing in?
A: iowa has also secured Bennett Stirtz and is building a strong roster through the transfer portal.
Q: What about Kentucky? How are they doing?
A: Kentucky is also actively using the transfer portal.They’ve added several key players to reload thier roster.
Q: Who are some of Kentucky’s key transfer additions?
A: Kentucky added Amari Williams, Oumar Ballo, Kerr kriisa, Andrew carr, Lamont Butler, Jaxson Robinson, Ugonna Onyenso, Brandon Angel, Koby Brea, ansley Almonor, Jordan Burks, Adou Thiero, Somto Cyril, Andrija Jelavic.
Q: What about the returning players and incoming freshmen?
A: Kentucky is also benefiting from the return of Otega Oweh, Brandon Garrison, Collin Chandler, Travis Perry, and Trent Noah. Plus, they are adding freshman Malachi Moreno and Jasper Johnson.
Q: What does this meen for the upcoming college basketball season?
A: Both Iowa and Kentucky are making notable moves to improve their teams through the transfer portal and returning players. This could make for an intriguing season!
Stay tuned as the college basketball landscape continues to evolve!
