F: Alvaro Folgueiras (SO)
Height/Weight: 6’9”/215 lbs.
Previous School: Robert Morris
2024-25 Stats: 14.1 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 3.2 APG, 54.8% FG, 41.3% 3pt
Offensive Impact
Jack of all trades on the offensive end
Can score and pass out of the post.
80th percentile in post up scoring efficiency, per Synergy. Will take this with a grain of salt due to the lack of rim defense in the Horizon league and he struggles a bit inside against size, but his right post hook is a tough shot to block and he is very comfortable with this move.
Folgueiras is a willing passer out of the post, hence the high assist rate (21.9% last season), but he doesn’t appear to be the greatest of decision makers. He makes some difficult passes out of double teams, but he can also be baited into easy turnovers for opposing defenses. Is always looking for the one handed skip pass out of the post, but that isn’t always the proper read. 19.9% turnover rate last season.
Efficient in the spot up game (85th percentile)
42% on catch and shoot 3’s last season. Hyper quick release for a big man and can give opposing forwards/centers a tough time on the perimeter.
Potential to be dangerous in the pick and pop game with Bennett Stirtz as well. Didn’t receive a high volume of pick and pop 3’s at RMU, but it is certainly an avenue to offense for Iowa next season.
Can also put the ball on the deck from the wing with his right hand and score at the rim. However, he is much weaker with his left and takes 1 or 2 dribbles just to get back to his right.
Active offensive rebounder (9.0% career OREB rate). Important in a Ben McCollum offense that prioritizes winning the shot volume battle.
He isn’t the strongest or most athletic, but he crashes hard from the wing and has a knack for the ball in general.
Folgueiras has his share of deficiencies (turnovers, lack of athleticism, left hand), but he will not be asked to do everything within this offense. Even if his post-up game doesn’t translate well, he has other areas in which he can make an impact.
Most importantly, he can alleviate some of the pressure of Bennett Stirtz when it comes to playmaking and shot creation. Stirtz was asked to do everything for McCollum’s offense last season, but Folgueiras is capable of initiating offense in small bursts.
There is positional flexibility with him as well. Can play the 4 and the 5 due to his versatile skill set.
Defensive Impact
26.9% defensive rebound rate stands out
Will help control the defensive glass alongside Banks and Manyawu.
4.2% block rate and 2.8% steal rate
Above average length and contests well
His active hands will fit in with McCollum’s turnover forcing style of defense.
Below average post up defender (especially if he is playing the 5) and struggles with size. A slight concern entering the Big Ten, as there are plenty of teams that run offense through the post.
McCollum prefers to not double the post, so this factor will be something to watch for when it comes to Folgueiras’ ability to play the center position for long stretches.
Isn’t very physical for a post defender and doesn’t move his feet particularly well for a 4 man on the perimeter, but he defends with verticality and can be a solid weak side rim protector for an Iowa team that needs some form of deterrent at the basket.