Dwayne Aristode Says Goodbye to Arizona Upon Portal Entry

Aristode sent a message to Wildcats fans after departing for the portal.

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Dwayne Aristode (2) reacts against the Michigan Wolverines in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

The Arizona Wildcats saw the departure of one of their top reserves this offseason in the form of Dwayne Aristode.

The backup wing for the Wildcats had a solid season as a freshman in 2025-26. Aristode averaged 3.8 points and 1.7 rebounds per game, and was one of the team’s most efficient three-point shooters, knocking down 46.2 percent of his triples last season.

Arizona’s Star Freshmen

Arizona Wildcats guard Dwayne Aristode (2) practices ahead of a Final Four game on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

While he wasn’t quite the star freshman that Brayden Burries, Ivan Kharchenkov, and Koa Peat were, Aristode showed plenty of potential as a big wing with an ability to space the floor and impact the game on the defensive side of the ball. Aristode scored in double-figures three times last season, knocking down at least four three-pointers each time — his season-best was 18 points and six threes on Nov. 11 against Northern Arizona.

He played a part in Arizona’s run to the Final Four — their first since 2001. The Wildcats won a program-high 36 games (starting 23-0), and their .923 winning percentage was also a program-high for a full season. 

However, Aristode is now looking to have an impact elsewhere. He was one of three players — Sidi Gueye and Sven Djopmo being the other two — to enter the transfer portal. After having an impact on a good Arizona team to start his collegiate career, Aristode will be looking for an opportunity to take a leap as a sophomore. 

Mar 25, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Dwayne Aristode (2) high-fives forward Mabil Mawut (20) during a practice session ahead of the west regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

In the aftermath of his departure, Aristode sent a message to the Arizona faithful, thanking them for his time in Tucson now that he is in the transfer portal.

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd reacts during the second half in a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Aristode’s Message 

“My time at Arizona will always be stamped in my life, I won’t forget it,” Aristode said. “As a freshman, I came in ready to work and ready to prove myself every single day. I’ll always be grateful for everything I experienced this year with my teammates and coaches. I’m thankful for the people around the program who believed in me.”

“Relationships I made in Tucson, I’ll always carry that with me. Now it’s time for the next step. Ready to keep building and showing who I am. Arizona will always mean something to me.”

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) and Arizona Wildcats guard Dwayne Aristode (2) celebrate after a play against the Michigan Wolverines in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Wildcats have responded to Aristode’s departure by bringing in UNC transfer Derek Dixon and Washington transfer JJ Mandaquit. After a stellar season last year, the Wildcats will look to load up with portal talents as they try to get back to the Final Four in the 2026-27 season.