Iowa Forward Alvaro Folgueiras Enters Transfer Portal

Player who hit game-winning shot in NCAA Tournament will leave program after one season

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:21pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player's jump shot broken down into overlapping planes of color, representing the fragmented state of the Iowa basketball team after the loss of a key contributor.The departure of a key player leaves the Iowa basketball program facing an uncertain future after a surprise NCAA Tournament run.Iowa City Today

Less than three weeks after making a game-winning three-pointer to help Iowa advance to the NCAA Elite Eight for the first time since 1987, forward Alvaro Folgueiras has announced he will enter the transfer portal. The 6-foot-10 junior from Malaga, Spain played a key role in the team's success this past season under first-year head coach Ben McCollum.

Why it matters

Folgueiras' departure is a significant loss for the Iowa men's basketball program, as he was a key contributor who made one of the biggest shots in school history. His decision to enter the transfer portal creates a void that the team will need to fill heading into next season.

The details

Folgueiras played in all 37 games this past season, making one start. He finished third on the team in scoring with an 8.4 points per game average and also ranked third on the team with 36 3-point baskets. Prior to transferring to Iowa, Folgueiras was named the Horizon League Player of the Year as a sophomore at Robert Morris in 2024-25.

  • Folgueiras made the game-winning three-pointer in Iowa's 73-72 victory over No. 1 seed and defending national champion Florida in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on March 22, 2026.
  • Folgueiras has announced his decision to enter the transfer portal less than three weeks after that NCAA Tournament game.

The players

Alvaro Folgueiras

A 6-foot-10 junior forward from Malaga, Spain who played a key role in helping Iowa advance to the NCAA Elite Eight this past season.

Ben McCollum

The first-year head coach of the Iowa men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Less than three weeks after making one of the biggest shots in the history of the Iowa men's basketball program, forward Alvaro Folgueiras will enter the transfer portal.”

— Hawk Fanatic, Author

What’s next

Folgueiras' decision to enter the transfer portal leaves a significant hole in Iowa's roster that the coaching staff will need to address heading into next season.

The takeaway

Folgueiras' departure is a major blow for the Iowa men's basketball program, as he was a key contributor who made one of the most memorable shots in school history. His decision to enter the transfer portal creates uncertainty around the team's outlook for next season.