By JOHN BOHNENKAMP

owa guard Ahron Ulis and center Josh Ogundele entered the NCAA transfer portal on Wednesday, opening up two spots on the Hawkeyes’ roster.

Ulis, who played three seasons with the Hawkeyes, made 27 starts this season, averaging 6.1 points and 1.6 rebounds. He was a 39.6% shooter, including 31.9% in 3-pointers.

“I want to thank the Iowa coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to play college basketball at this level and become a Big Ten champion,” Ulis said in a statement. “I also would like to thank my teammates and fans for embracing and supporting me over the past three years. I have built lifelong relationships and brotherhoods during my time as a Hawkeye. With that being said, I have decided to enter my name into the transfer portal and begin my next journey as a student-athlete.”

Ogundele played a reserve role throughout his three seasons. He played in 11 games this season, averaging 1.9 points and 1.7 rebounds.

Ogundele entered the transfer portal after last season, but came back to the Hawkeyes.

“Being a part of three NCAA Tournament teams and winning a Big Ten championship with my teammates is something that I am extremely thankful for and will forever cherish,” Ogundele said in a statement. “Thank you to my teammates, coaching staff and fans for embracing me over the past three years. At this time, I believe it is in my best interest to enter the transfer portal as I continue to chase my dreams.”

“We are all appreciative of Ahron and Josh’s contributions to our program the past three years,” said Iowa coach Fran McCaffery. “Both were good teammates on three NCAA Tournament teams and helped us win a Big Ten championship. Both Ahron and Josh have bright futures. My staff and I will assist both players during this transition.”

The Hawkeyes now have two open scholarships. It was already going to be an offseason of roster transition, as forward Filip Rebraca and Guard Connor McCaffery played their final seasons, and forward Kris Murray is expected to enter the NBA draft.

Photo: Iowa’s Ahron Ulis drives to the basket in last week’s NCAA Tournament game against Auburn. (Jerod Ringwald/hawkeyesports.com)