Iowa City, Iowa -- Iowa junior guard Josh Dix has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, a decision unveiled through his social media on March 19, 2025. This announcement follows the recent firing of head coach Fran McCaffery, which has prompted a wave of transfers from the Iowa basketball program.
Dix, who is a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, has enjoyed a remarkable collegiate career despite facing substantial challenges, including a significant leg injury that raised doubts about his future early in his college journey.
Entering the portal is expected to position Dix as one of the most coveted guards in the country. At just 6 feet 5 inches tall, he averaged 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game during his junior season. Dix's impressive shooting skills, particularly his three-point accuracy, led him to a shooting efficiency of 50.7 percent from the field and 42.2 percent from beyond the arc, marking him as a prominent scorer for the Hawkeyes.
In his appeal to fans, Dix expressed deep gratitude: "Dear Hawkeye Nation, I want to thank Coach McCaffery and the entire staff for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream. Wearing the black and gold has been a true blessing, and I will forever cherish the memories I made in Iowa City," he stated in his online post. He went on to thank his teammates and managers for their support, highlighting the bond formed throughout his time with the team.
Dix’s decision to transfer comes at a critical time for the Hawkeyes, as five players from the team have opted for the portal since McCaffery's departure. Along with Dix, teammates Brock Harding, Owen Freeman, Riley Mulvey, and Pryce Sandfort are also pursuing new opportunities elsewhere. Despite initial struggles with only 2 points per game during his freshman year, Dix significantly improved his performance in the following seasons, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades and the Iowa Most Improved Award.
Described as both a scorer and a versatile player capable of defending on the perimeter, Dix has been viewed favorably within the basketball community. Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg praised him, stating, "He’s a great player. He’s done a great job with his development. The kid has a chance to be a pro." Notably, his efforts and hard work were evident throughout the season, as he started in 32 of Iowa’s 33 games. By persevering through injuries, including a wrist issue confirmed by teammate Payton Sandfort, Dix has shown loyalty to his team and determination to face adversities head-on.
As the transfer portal process unfolds, Dix has made it clear that he enters with a "do not contact" tag, indicating a focused approach to assessing his next steps in basketball. Having contributed significantly to the Hawkeye team dynamics, his exit marks a considerable loss for the Iowa frontcourt, especially with his capability to score and create opportunities on both ends of the floor.
Looking ahead, Dix is anticipated to attract interest from a variety of programs seeking a talented guard. With one season of eligibility remaining, he holds the potential to influence any team he chooses to join significantly. His accolades and performance stats suggest that his next chapter in collegiate basketball could be just as impactful.
In closing, Josh Dix’s journey through Iowa basketball has been anything but typical, marked by resilience and growth. His ability to shine in a turbulent team environment confirms he is prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead in his athletic career. Whether he finds a new home in another college program or takes the next step toward professional basketball, Dix’s dedication and skill leave a lasting legacy at Iowa.
