Iowa Big Man The Latest Hawkeye With Plans to Transfer
College basketball fans knew that the transfer portal was going to change the game. Players have a great ability to come and go from programs. No more sitting out a year after changing schools. I'm all for players choosing their path. But it comes at the expense of being able to develop players. Iowa is losing another player to the transfer portal, and I personally thought that he'd see major playing time at Iowa.
The Gazette reports that Iowa center Josh Ogundele has announced his intentions to enter the NCAA transfer portal. In a statement, Ogundele stated that he believes "it is in my best interest to enter the transfer portal and continue to chase my dreams". Iowa men's basketball coach Fran McCaffery had nothing but great things to say about Ogundele, calling him a "good teammate" and noting that he has a "bright future".
A native of London, Ogundele saw limited action in his Iowa career. He played some significant minutes during Iowa's run at the Big Ten Tournament, helping Iowa deal with Illinois center Kofi Cockburn. Many fans thought that the 2022-23 season would be when Ogundele made his big leap. But with the news that Iowa starting center Filip Rebraca will return next season, it is clear that Ogundele didn't think he'd see enough minutes on the floor wearing the black and gold.
Ogundele is the latest Iowa player to announce they're leaving the program. Sophomore Keegan Murray declared himself for the NBA Draft, and junior Joe Toussaint is also entered the transfer portal.