For a moment, it felt like Alvaro Folgueiras and Kentucky basketball were destined to link up. The 6-foot-8 Spanish forward entered the transfer portal with a skillset tailor-made for Mark Pope’s system: rim protection, rebounding, and playmaking from the forward spot.
But now? He’s out.
Folgueiras is no longer considering Kentucky in his transfer process, with scheduled visits lined up to Iowa, Providence, and Villanova instead. And for a fan base eagerly watching every move Pope makes in his first offseason at the helm, the question is obvious:
What happened?
A quick rise, and a sudden disappearance
When Folgueiras’ name first popped up in transfer portal circles, Kentucky was one of the earliest programs tied to him. He fit the mold Pope seemed to covet—versatile, unselfish, and defensively sound. He wasn’t flashy, but he was efficient. A glue guy with real upside.
Yet just as quickly as the buzz began, it disappeared. The Wildcats have since shifted focus to other targets, while Folgueiras is turning his attention elsewhere. No official reason has been given, but theories are swirling.
The athleticism question
Some fans on social media have pointed to concerns about athleticism. Folgueiras isn’t a vertical leaper or a highlight machine, and there’s speculation that Pope is looking for a more dynamic frontcourt presence to pair with (or replace) Brandon Garrison.
But the numbers tell a deeper story.
According to EvanMiya.com, Folgueiras ranks as the No. 4 big man in the country who combines rim protection and playmaking. Among players with 70+ blocks, 70+ defensive rebounds, and 50+ assists, only these names rank higher:
- Aday Mara
- Ante Brzovic
- Guillermo Díaz Graham
- Alvaro Folgueiras
- Malique Ewin
That’s elite company—and a profile that seems aligned with Pope’s vision of “positionless” basketball.
What this might mean
Of course, without confirmation from Folgueiras or Pope, we’re left to speculate. A few popular theories have emerged:
- Brandon Garrison is likely returning to Kentucky, reducing the need for another big man in the rotation.
- Mackenzie Mgbako, the former Indiana forward, could be close to committing to Kentucky—filling the same hybrid forward role.
- It was simply a miss. Whether due to fit, mutual interest, or internal evaluation, Pope and his staff; or even Alvaro himself may have decided to move in a different direction.
Whatever the reason, Folgueiras is off the board, and that leaves a noticeable hole in the list of realistic transfer options for Pope.
What’s bext for Pope and the portal?
This isn’t the first twist in Kentucky’s portal pursuit—and it won’t be the last. With no clear big man addition yet locked in, fans continue to watch names like Garrison, Mgbako, and others floating around the rumor mill.
Losing Folgueiras stings because of how perfect the fit seemed. But in the new era of college basketball, portal plans change by the hour. It’s possible Pope has bigger dominoes ready to fall, and Folgueiras simply didn’t fit in the final picture.
Final thoughts
In the end, we may never know exactly why Alvaro Folgueiras and Kentucky didn’t come to fruition. Maybe it was a silent mutual parting. Maybe Pope is holding out for a splashier addition.
But one thing’s for sure: Folgueiras won’t be wearing blue and white, and the wait continues to see who will.
Stay tuned. The offseason is just heating up.