New Iowa big man Alvaro Folgueiras has the potential to make waves in the Big Ten this season.
Folgueiras, a Spanish National and former Robert Morris forward, is the kind of player that new Head Coach Ben McCollum likes to recruit.
During Big Ten Men's Basketball Media Days in Chicago, McCollum stated that if you are a versatile big man who can pass, shoot, and put the ball on the floor, you will want to come to Iowa.
Folgueiras fits that mold perfectly as he showcased his versatility for the Robert Morris Colonials last season.
During his sophomore season for the Colonials last year (2024-2025), Folgueiras filled up the stat sheet, averaging 14.1 points, 9.1 rebounds. 3.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
Folgueiras guided Robert Morris to Horizon League regular season and conference tournament titles, and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
He was also named the 2024 Horizon League Player of the Year and was a First-Team All-Horizon League selection.
Before playing a regular-season game for the Hawkeyes, Folgueiras was added to the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award Watchlist and was recently added to a preseason top-30 power forwards list.
College Basketball preseason power forward rankings 💪 pic.twitter.com/XMTVhts9CY
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) October 30, 2025
College Basketball Report released their preseason top-30 power forwards list ahead of next season, with Folgueiras cracking the top 15.
CBK Report ranked Folgeuiras as the No. 14 overall power forward in men's college basketball, just behind Vanderbilt's Devin McGlockton and just ahead of Gonzaga's Braden Huff.
Folgueiras has the potential to be a significant contributor for the Hawkeyes this season, having posted 14 double-doubles and 27 double-digit scoring performances for Robert Morris last season.