Get ready to witness a game-changer in Iowa men’s basketball—because the Hawkeyes just added a touch of Spanish flair with Alvaro Folgueiras, a transfer player who’s turning heads across the sport. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Folgueiras isn’t just another name in the portal; he’s a proven star with a story that’s as compelling as his game. Let’s dive in.
Iowa City is buzzing, and for good reason. The Hawkeyes now boast two Division I conference Players of the Year from last season—a rarity that’s hard to ignore. One of them, guard Bennett Stirtz, is a familiar face in the state, having dominated as the Missouri Valley Conference’s Player of the Year for Drake. But the other? That’s where Folgueiras steps in, bringing his talents from Robert Morris in Pittsburgh—a player with no prior ties to Iowa, yet one who’s already making waves.
And this is the part most people miss: Folgueiras isn’t just a talented athlete; he’s a player who thrives under pressure. At Iowa’s media day, he openly embraced the challenges of the Big Ten, stating, ‘I think the Big Ten is a big place for exposure… I don’t avoid pressure. That’s why I’m here.’ Bold words, but his track record backs them up.
Standing at 6-foot-10 and 230 pounds, Folgueiras is a force to be reckoned with. Last season at Robert Morris, he averaged 14.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 steals, earning him the Horizon League’s Player of the Year title. His team, the Colonials, went 26-9, clinching both the regular-season and tournament championships before giving Alabama a run for their money in the NCAA Tournament. Folgueiras himself dropped 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in that game—a performance that had college basketball insiders taking notice.
But what makes Folgueiras truly stand out? His versatility. He’s a big man with a smooth shooting touch (41.3% from three-point range last season) and exceptional passing skills. He racked up 14 double-doubles and dished out five or more assists in six games. Oh, and did we mention he’s just 19? His potential is sky-high.
Folgueiras’ journey to Iowa is equally fascinating. Hailing from Malaga, Spain, he left home to play at DME Academy in Florida—the same program that Keegan and Kris Murray attended before their Iowa and NBA careers. His brother, Nacho, plays professionally in Ireland, so basketball runs deep in the family. Despite having multiple college offers, Folgueiras chose Robert Morris because, as he put it, ‘they wanted me more.’ Now, he’s chosen Iowa for a different reason: the people.
Here’s where it gets controversial: Folgueiras was heavily recruited by powerhouse programs like Kentucky, Providence, and Villanova. So why Iowa? He credits Coach McCollum’s approach: ‘One thing that made me listen to Coach Mac is he started all the conversations saying all the programs are telling you what you can do for them, and I want to tell you what I can do for you.’ Is this a subtle dig at other programs’ recruiting tactics? You decide.
Coach McCollum is clearly a fan, praising Folgueiras’ ‘Spanish flair’ and competitive edge. ‘He’s fiercely competitive, almost to a fault,’ McCollum said. ‘That’s probably his greatest strength and his greatest weakness.’ But can Iowa harness that intensity and turn it into a winning formula? Only time will tell.
As Folgueiras steps onto the court in Iowa City, one thing is certain: he’s not here to blend in. He’s here to make a statement. And whether you’re a Hawkeyes fan or just a basketball enthusiast, his story is one worth following. But here’s the question: Can Alvaro Folgueiras take Iowa to the next level, or will his competitive fire burn too bright? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss.
