Arizona Freshman Forward Dwayne Aristode Enters Transfer Portal

Aristode struggled to find playing time as a freshman, averaging just 3.8 points per game.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:38am

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting the movements and actions of a basketball player, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.Aristode's transfer opens up a frontcourt spot for Arizona, as the program looks to reload through the transfer portal.Tempe Today

Arizona freshman forward Dwayne Aristode has entered the transfer portal, becoming the second Wildcat player to do so this offseason. Aristode, a former top-30 recruit, saw his playing time and production decline as the season progressed, averaging just 3.8 points per game on 49% shooting.

Why it matters

Aristode's transfer opens up a frontcourt spot on Arizona's roster for the 2026-27 season. The Wildcats could look to add a high-level transfer to bolster their frontline, especially if other players like Ivan Kharchenkov also depart.

The details

Aristode met with the Arizona coaching staff on Thursday, and they wanted him to return, but could not guarantee him a role for next season. As a freshman, Aristode's playing time and production declined each month, going from 6.5 points per game in November/December to just 2.2 points per game in January-March.

  • Aristode entered the transfer portal on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Freshman forward Sidi Gueye was the first Arizona player to enter the transfer portal on Friday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Dwayne Aristode

A 6'8" freshman forward who was a top-30 recruit in the 2025 class, but struggled to find consistent playing time at Arizona, averaging just 3.8 points per game.

Ivan Kharchenkov

A freshman forward for Arizona who could potentially enter the NBA Draft after this season.

Motiejus Krivas

A forward for Arizona who could return next season and help form one of the best frontlines in the country if he and Kharchenkov come back.

Tommy Lloyd

The head coach of the Arizona Wildcats basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Aristode entering the Transfer Portal had been widely speculated.”

— Jonathan Givony, Draft Expert

“Expect Arizona to be extremely active in the Transfer Portal. If Kharchenkov and Motiejus Krivas return for Arizona, Tommy Lloyd and his staff should have one of the best frontlines in the country with a high-level transfer PF.”

— Jason Scheer, Wildcat Authority Reporter

What’s next

If Kharchenkov and Krivas return, Arizona will look to add a high-level transfer power forward to bolster their frontcourt rotation for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Aristode's transfer highlights the challenges some highly-touted recruits face in adjusting to the college game, and the need for Arizona to continue replenishing its roster through the transfer portal to maintain its status as an elite program.