IOWA CITY, Iowa — Sophomore forward Ladji Dembele has officially announced his intention to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, marking a significant moment in an Iowa basketball program undergoing substantial changes. Dembele's announcement, posted on social media on March 20, comes after a season filled with ups and downs for both him and the Hawkeyes.
"Thank you for all the memories, experiences, and opportunities you've given me during my time here. I am incredibly grateful for the support from my coaches, teammates, and the fans," Dembele wrote. He concluded his announcement by stating he is "keeping open the option to return back to Iowa." With Dembele’s decision, he becomes the seventh Hawkeye player to enter the portal this offseason.
In just two seasons at Iowa, Dembele has shown significant potential, starting 21 of the 33 games this past season and averaging 4.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. His contributions were seen as vital during crucial moments, including an impressive outing in the Big Ten Tournament where he recorded eight points and nine rebounds against Ohio State.
This past season, Dembele’s skills began to shine, particularly when he stepped up to fill the void left by fellow teammate Owen Freeman, who was sidelined due to injury. The six-foot-eight forward showcased his versatility, transitioning from a starting power forward to a crucial center role and garnering praise along the way.
Payton Sandfort, a teammate, expressed his admiration, stating, "I am really proud of Ladji. The way that he's been bashed and struggling, people have been brutal to him. But he stepped up and played his heart out." This sentiment echoes the respect and support Dembele earned from those around him during a difficult season.
Dembele's performance has been marked by a steady progression; he improved his scoring averages and developed considerably as a player. From averaging 2.2 points and two rebounds in his freshman season to achieving 4.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in his sophomore year, he has shown tangible growth in critical areas of his game. His field goal percentage also improved from 37.8% to 46.7%, while his three-point shooting saw a significant uptick from 31% to 38.2%.
However, this decision to enter the transfer portal comes during a tumultuous time for the Iowa basketball program. The Hawkeyes moved on from longtime head coach Fran McCaffery on March 14, prompting a wave of entries into the portal. Many players, including Dembele, are now reassessing their futures.
As Iowa searches for a new head coach, there is uncertainty about the direction the program will take, and many players, including Dembele, are weighing their options. Out of the players in the transfer portal, he joins fellow teammates Owen Freeman, Brock Harding, Riley Mulvey, Josh Dix, Pryce Sandfort, and Cooper Koch. The departure of so many players is indicative of the rapid changes taking place within the team.
Dembele, who originally hails from Mali but played high school basketball at St. Benedict's Prep in Newark, New Jersey, was regarded as a four-star prospect upon joining Iowa and had multiple scholarship offers from other programs including Wake Forest and Pittsburgh. His decision to enter the portal may open doors elsewhere, but his statement suggests that he values the potential for a return if the situation aligns in his favor.
Looking ahead, the Hawkeyes have only one player remaining on their roster who stands at 6-foot-8 or taller—freshman Chris Tadjo. This height deficit could impact the team's recruitment strategies and lineup decisions as they move forward.
As the coaching search unfolds, the pivotal task for Iowa’s athletic department is to stabilize what has become a rapidly changing roster. Historically, transfers have been part of the modern college basketball landscape, but the rate at which players are leaving the Iowa program is notable, given the expectations surrounding the team at the start of the season.
Dembele's experience offers both a cautionary tale and a glimmer of hope for his development as a player. If he finds a program that fits his needs, he could thrive, especially if he continues to build on the skills he has demonstrated during his time in Iowa. Whether he ends up finding a new home or returning to the Hawkeyes, one thing is clear: his decision represents just one chapter in a much larger transformation for Iowa basketball.
