Coming into the season, there was a lot of pressure on sophomore forward Alvaro Folguerias to be a breakout star for Robert Morris to get out of the bottom tier of the Horizon League. He’s ended up being even better than expected, leading Robert Morris with 14 ppg and 9.5 rpg on the year, including 12 double-doubles.
In the past couple of weeks, the sophomore has taken his game to the next level. Folguerias has averaged 23 ppg and 7.5 rpg in the last four games, including a career-high 35 points to beat Northern Kentucky and 40 points combined in wins over top Horizon teams, Cleveland State and Purdue-Fort Wayne. Those performances earned him Co-Player of the Week honors.
But Folguerias has put himself in contention for an even bigger prize. Thanks to winning 10 of the last 11 games, Robert Morris is just .5 games back of first place in the standings. With a logjam at the top, there’s no clear individual favorite to win Conference Player of the Year. Tevin Smith (14 ppg) is the best player on who was the best team, but the Vikings can’t make that claim after its recent slide.
One of our @UnderArmour #HLMBB Players of the Week is Alvaro Folgueiras (@AlvaroFolgue) of @RMUMBasketball!https://t.co/50nZSqIlRG#OurHorizon 🌇| @RMUAthletics pic.twitter.com/05rSZ72Ixw
— Horizon League (@HorizonLeague) February 17, 2025
Jalen Jackson (19.4 ppg) is the top scorer in the Horizon League for Purdue Fort-Wayne, but they’re currently 5th in the standings. Jamichael Stillwell (13.6 ppg and 10.9 rpg) is one of the top rebounders in the nation for Milwaukee, who is in the mix at the top. Brandon Noel (18.9 ppg and 8.0 rpg) has put up the most stats at Wright State, but they’re too far down to be in the running.
What makes Folguerias stand out is his all-around play. He’s the only player in the Horizon League who ranks in the top 11 in all five main categories, including assists, steals, and blocks. He’s shooting 57% from the field and 41% from three-point range while being as consistent as it comes in the past two months.
With just two weeks left in the regular season, there’s a lot that still needs to be decided in the Horizon League, both in the standings and for the top awards. Robert Morris has the chance to earn plenty, including having this season’s Player of the Year.