The Northern Iowa men’s basketball team is busy using the transfer portal. Coach Ben Jacobson added three players to the roster in April. One of the top priorities this offseason was finding some big-man help. The team lost Tytan Anderson and Jacob Hutson due to graduation.
Jacobson’s first move this offseason was signing Ismaël Diouf, who transferred from NC State. The 6’9” forward from Quebec averaged 2.2 points, 1.4 rebounds and eight minutes a game for the Wolfpack. Diouf will see increased minutes with a chance to start at the four spot.
The Panthers dipped back into the portal adding Tristan Smith, a transfer from Concordia (NAIA). The 6 ‘5 super senior appeared in 33 games, averaging 20.5 points on 68.5% FG, 8.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.7 blocks per game.
Northern Iowa recently had success adding guys from the non-division one level. Max Weisbrod and Cael Schmitt were solid contributors last season after transferring from division two and three levels. Smith will look to contribute in his final year of college eligibility.
The Panthers capped off their portal additions with the addition of Baylor transfer Marino Dubravčić. At 6 ’10”, the Croatia native appeared in eighteen games for the Bears seeing limited action. He will compete for the starting center spot alongside standout freshman Will Hornseth.
After these additions, the roster might be ready to compete for an MVC title. The team returns star point guard Trey Campbell, who averaged 11.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and three assists.
The Panthers also return three transfer students for their second season in Cedar Falls. Leon Bond returns after averaging 9.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 23 games. Bond is healthy again after missing some time last season due to a knee injury. Ben Schwieger is back for a second year averaging 9.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists. The Panthers also return Max Weisbrod who averaged 5.9 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists last season. The Panthers will look to win their first MVC Regular Season Title since 2022. The team looks to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016.
