By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Alvaro Folgueiras is entering the transfer portal following a standout season with Iowa, as reported by Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress on Friday.
The Spanish forward was a primary catalyst in Iowa’s historic 2026 NCAA Tournament run, providing the clutch playmaking and interior presence necessary to propel the program to its first Elite Eight appearance since 1987. His departure marks a significant shift for the Hawkeyes’ roster as they look to rebuild following this deep postseason surge.
The Malaga native, a youth product of his hometown club Unicaja, proved to be a vital addition to the Hawkeyes’ frontcourt. While his scoring averaged 8.4 points per game in the Big Ten, his value was most evident on the national stage. He recorded a 16-point performance against Nebraska in the Sweet 16 and a dominant 14-point effort against Florida, showcasing the dynamic versatility that has made him a household name.
Known affectionately as El Pulpo (The Octopus), 21-year-old Folgueiras earned the moniker during his time at Robert Morris, where he was named the 2024–25 Horizon League Player of the Year.
A unique stretch forward excelling in both post play and three-point shooting, Folgueiras also brings elite international experience from Spain’s FIBA U20 EuroBasket squad. This follows his previous appearances in the FIBA U20 EuroBasket 2025 and earning silver medals in the FIBA U18 European Championship 2023 and FIBA U17 World Cup 2022.
As he moves into his senior NCAA year, his combination of high-major success and a multifaceted skill set makes him one of the most coveted prospects in the portal.
NEWS: Álvaro Folgueiras will enter the transfer portal, Gersh Sports tells DraftExpress.
The 6’10 Spanish power forward was a catalyst in Iowa’s NCAA Tournament run, making several clutch plays to help propel the Hawkeyes to their first Elite Eight since 1987. pic.twitter.com/Fhr6IoOFdH
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 10, 2026