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University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Panther men’s basketball signs Isaiah Johnson-Arigu
6/4/2026 9:15:00 AM | Men's Basketball
UNI rounds out 2026-27 roster with Minnesota forward.
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- The UNI men's basketball team on Wednesday announced the signing of forward Isaiah Johnson-Arigu to its 2026-27 roster.
The 6' 7", 215 pound forward from Maple Grove, Minnesota, is the seventh signing by the Panthers this spring, as well as their fifth Division I transfer. Johnson-Arigu joins a spring signing class that includes transfers Tate McCubbin (Austin Peay), Greyson Uelmen (North Dakota), Ian Smikle (Tulsa) and Carson Vis (Western Michigan), along with international signee Jule Isebaert from Belgium, as well as Cedar Falls standout Jayden Kimbrough. The seven signees join Cedar Falls High School product Will Gerdes after signing in the fall.
"Isaiah brings an elite level of athleticism, length and positionless versatility to our roster," said Panther head coach Kyle Green. "He is an exceptionally fluid athlete who can impact the game as a dynamic downhill driver and a presence on the glass. Defensively, his lateral quickness and instincts give him the rare ability to effectively guard positions one through five. He is an incredibly exciting addition who fits perfectly with our style of play!"
Johnson-Arigu joins the Northern Iowa roster after playing the 2025-26 season at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he appeared in 33 games off the bench to help the Tommies to a 24-10 record in the program's first full season as a Division I program and first Division I postseason appearance with a first round showing in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). Playing 21.3 minutes a game, he averaged 10.5 points on 54.3% shooting, along with four rebounds and 1.1 assists per game in his lone season with the Tommies, notably scoring a career-high 25 points this past January against South Dakota.
Prior to St. Thomas, Johnson-Arigu appeared in eight games as a freshman at Miami (FL) in 2024-25 averaging one point and 0.8 rebounds in 5.3 minutes per game. Following a coaching change, he transferred midseason to Iowa.
As a high school standout, Johnson-Arigu helped Totino-Grace to consecutive Minnesota Class AAA state championships as a junior and senior under coach Nick Carroll. A four-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and On3, he was a top-five Minnesota Mr. Basketball Award finalist after averaging 20.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists a game during his senior season. Johnson-Arigu notably scored 25 points with 11 rebounds and three assists in his final high school game, delivering Totino-Grace's third consecutive state title.
UNI men's basketball action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Men's Basketball), X (@UNImbb) and on Instagram (@uni_basketball). Schedule and roster information, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
