"Sounds like a tamper job at its finest": College hoops fans react to Miami transfer Isaiah Johnson-Arigu committing to Fran McCaffrey's Iowa

Fans have reacted quickly online as former Miami Hurricanes forward Isaiah Johnson-Arigu announced his decision to join the Iowa Hawkeyes for the second semester. He told On3 that he won’t play for the rest of this season but is set to debut for the Hawkeyes at the start of the 2025-26 season.

Here are several reactions from fans:

"commits 2 days after going in ? sounds like a tamper job at its finest," one fan wrote.

"Why not just play the season have some fun," another fan suggested.

"Quit on us mid season lol. Have fun in Iowa," a fan said.

Screenshots via Instagram/@tiptonedits

While some had lamented the move, several others had a more positive reaction to the transfer.

"Good spot for him. Good player and good program," a fan wrote.

"Welcome to the hawks congratulations," another fan commented.

"let's work," a fan said.

Screenshots via Instagram/@tiptonedits

Isaiah Johnson-Arigu set to join Fran McCaffrey and Iowa

Isaiah Johnson-Arigu, originally from Minneapolis, entered the transfer portal on Monday after the window was opened for 30 days following the former Miami coach Jim Larrañaga's sudden retirement. This season, he appeared in seven games and averaged 4.9 minutes and 0.9 ppg.

Johnson-Arigu had considered Iowa during his high school recruitment but ultimately chose Miami. He also received offers from Northwestern, Texas Tech, and Virginia Tech.

On3's Jaime Shaw wrote a comprehensive scouting report on Johnson-Arigu when he was still in high school:

“It’s the know-how with Isaiah Johnson-Arigu that you immediately notice. He seems to always be in the right place and poised to make a positive play. Standing in the 6-6 range, he uses his near 7-0 wing span to play up a lineup. Offensively, he has good touch which he uses to finish around the basket and in the mid-range."

Shaw continued, citing Johnson-Arigu's court vision and versatility:

"He also has good court vision and processing ability. Able to line up from multiple levels, run some offense through and make reads to get players opportunities. The athleticism is a question, is a tweener forward type, will have to answer where he guards. You like the versatility and the production.”

According to the On3 Industry Rankings, he was the No. 125 overall prospect in the 2024 class, the No. 38 small forward, and the second-best player in Minnesota. It will be interesting to see how he performs under McCaffrey at Iowa.