Garza declares but keeps his eligibility
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Luka Garza to Test NBA Process
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa junior Luka Garza announced Friday that he will test the 2020 NBA Draft process while maintaining his NCAA eligibility. The 6-foot-11, 260-pound center plans to go through the process without an agent.
“This year was one I could never have imagined,” Garza said. “None of the awards or accolades could have happened without the University of Iowa, my coaches, and my teammates. Choosing Coach McCaffery and Iowa was the best decision I have ever made. With that said, after meeting with my family and coaches I have decided that I will be declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft, and throughout this process I will be keeping my eligibility.
“The NBA has been my dream since I started playing basketball as a kid and I’m going to do everything I can to pursue that. If it ends up not being the right time to make the move to the NBA, I’m excited about the potential of what my senior season as a Hawkeye could have in store. Thank you to Hawkeye Nation for this unforgettable journey thus far. Go Hawks!”
Garza had a historic season leading the nationally-ranked men’s basketball team to 20 victories and a likely NCAA Tournament berth. A unanimous consensus first-team All-America selection, Garza became the first Iowa men’s basketball student-athlete to earn National Player of the Year distinction (Sporting News, Basketball Times, ESPN, FOX, Stadium, Bleacher Report). The junior center was also named the Pete Newell Big Man of the Year, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year, USBWA District VI Player of the Year, and Big Ten Men’s Basketball Player of the Year.
“Luka was one of the top players in the country last season and going through the NBA Draft process is something that he should absolutely do,” said Iowa head men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery. “We fully support Luka in the pursuit of his professional goals. This process is extremely valuable in gathering information from NBA personnel. My staff and I look forward to supporting Luka throughout the process.”
Garza finished the 20-game conference schedule averaging 26.2 points per game, becoming the first player to average at least 26 points in Big Ten play since Purdue's Glenn Robinson in 1994. Garza scored a school-record 740 points this season, breaking the program's 50-year old record previously set by John Johnson in 1970. Garza became one of three Big Ten players to ever to total 740+ points and 300+ rebounds in a single season. He scored 20 points or more in a school-record 16 straight Big Ten games, the longest streak by any player in the Big Ten since Ohio State's Dennis Hopson (16) in 1987.
Garza ranked second nationally in 20-point games (25); third in total field goals made (287), fifth in scoring (23.9), 19th in double-doubles (15), and 34th in rebounding (9.8). Garza produced against top competition all season, averaging 26.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 12 contests against AP ranked opponents, including recording 11 straight 20-point performances.
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa junior Luka Garza announced Friday that he will test the 2020 NBA Draft process while maintaining his NCAA eligibility. The 6-foot-11, 260-pound center plans to go through the process without an agent.
“This year was one I could never have imagined,” Garza said. “None of the awards or accolades could have happened without the University of Iowa, my coaches, and my teammates. Choosing Coach McCaffery and Iowa was the best decision I have ever made. With that said, after meeting with my family and coaches I have decided that I will be declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft, and throughout this process I will be keeping my eligibility.
“The NBA has been my dream since I started playing basketball as a kid and I’m going to do everything I can to pursue that. If it ends up not being the right time to make the move to the NBA, I’m excited about the potential of what my senior season as a Hawkeye could have in store. Thank you to Hawkeye Nation for this unforgettable journey thus far. Go Hawks!”
Garza had a historic season leading the nationally-ranked men’s basketball team to 20 victories and a likely NCAA Tournament berth. A unanimous consensus first-team All-America selection, Garza became the first Iowa men’s basketball student-athlete to earn National Player of the Year distinction (Sporting News, Basketball Times, ESPN, FOX, Stadium, Bleacher Report). The junior center was also named the Pete Newell Big Man of the Year, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year, USBWA District VI Player of the Year, and Big Ten Men’s Basketball Player of the Year.
“Luka was one of the top players in the country last season and going through the NBA Draft process is something that he should absolutely do,” said Iowa head men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery. “We fully support Luka in the pursuit of his professional goals. This process is extremely valuable in gathering information from NBA personnel. My staff and I look forward to supporting Luka throughout the process.”
Garza finished the 20-game conference schedule averaging 26.2 points per game, becoming the first player to average at least 26 points in Big Ten play since Purdue's Glenn Robinson in 1994. Garza scored a school-record 740 points this season, breaking the program's 50-year old record previously set by John Johnson in 1970. Garza became one of three Big Ten players to ever to total 740+ points and 300+ rebounds in a single season. He scored 20 points or more in a school-record 16 straight Big Ten games, the longest streak by any player in the Big Ten since Ohio State's Dennis Hopson (16) in 1987.
Garza ranked second nationally in 20-point games (25); third in total field goals made (287), fifth in scoring (23.9), 19th in double-doubles (15), and 34th in rebounding (9.8). Garza produced against top competition all season, averaging 26.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 12 contests against AP ranked opponents, including recording 11 straight 20-point performances.
He'll be back..
Jess Settles said so.
CBS Sports has said so.
And, what the hell, I said so.
Jess Settles said so.
CBS Sports has said so.
And, what the hell, I said so.
He'll be back..
Jess Settles said so.
CBS Sports has said so.
And, what the hell, I said so.
Don't forget Arnold ...
It's the right move for Luka. I do think someone will end up taking him in the second round because he can add another big body for someone right away. His stock will never be higher than it is now, seniors usually drop in the draft.
I'm probably in the minority here but I don't think he comes back. You would have to think he is told his best chance may be now and good for him. He is an all-time Iowa great and nobody would be upset in his decision. Disappointed? Of course, because most of us can see the potential of next year. I know there is still a chance he comes back but it just seems to be the best opportunity for him to go now. Good luck!
He'll be back..
Jess Settles said so.
CBS Sports has said so.
And, what the hell, I said so.
He'll be back unless the NBA says he's a sure thing first-round pick. My opinion
This doesn't seem a lot different than what Joe W. did last year. Go through the process and see where you're evaluated and make a decision from there.
None of us knows. He isn't hiring an agent so he has the option to come back. Totally understand his rationale. If I were to guess, he will be back. But we are all just spit-balling.
Gotta wonder if the uncertainty of next year's season due to covid had something to do with this. Might as well get $ now if he can instead of risking a lost season
Had he proved a tad more consistent with that mid range and 3 point shot this year I’d believe it would be a wrap for Luca’s days as a Hawk but I think he can improve there and that’s what will have him finishing up at Iowa as the all time best center at Iowa as a senior next year!
He gone...were Iowa and we know how this ends.
This is a first but I actually can somewhat agree with you. With the uncertainty of next season he needs to go. Wouldn’t blame him at all and I hope he makes it somewhere.
This is the right move. If Luka can get paid to play the game he loves it shouldn't even be a question. Selfishly I would love to see him in Black and Gold one more year.
Folks, he’s gone.
“If it ends up not being the right time, I’m excited about the potential...”
That sounds like someone who is ready for the NBA.
His stock will never be higher. He’s elevated his 3 point shot.
Even if he leaves, and JBO and Weezy return, this is still a top 15 team with B1G title aspirations. Whatever he does, he’s earned it.
“If it ends up not being the right time, I’m excited about the potential...”
That sounds like someone who is ready for the NBA.
His stock will never be higher. He’s elevated his 3 point shot.
Even if he leaves, and JBO and Weezy return, this is still a top 15 team with B1G title aspirations. Whatever he does, he’s earned it.
It's quite a bit different. Joe went and worked out for teams and got feedback from those workouts. Luka won't be doing that.
Except Garza was the best player in the country and JW wasn't even honorable mention all bten. Hope he comes back but won't hold breathe
It seems like great teams are not very often in the cards for the Hawks, so he will probably leave for the NBA. I wish I could be more optimistic, but I have been watching Iowa sports for 60+ years. Important sports events tend to slip way for one reason or another unfortunately.
I agree with the above posts that he will be back. Unless he receives a top 15 draft projection, which he won’t, he will be back in Iowa City.
Frank Garza knows how to publicize his son.
“Starting at center for Iowa, the runner up player of the year in a shortened season, Luka Garza declared for the NBA draft but ultimately decided he had unfinished business in Iowa City.”
This will be talked about EVERY Hawkeyes game.
Frank Garza knows how to publicize his son.
“Starting at center for Iowa, the runner up player of the year in a shortened season, Luka Garza declared for the NBA draft but ultimately decided he had unfinished business in Iowa City.”
This will be talked about EVERY Hawkeyes game.
True, I assume evaluations will be given but no workouts. Do they just rely on film & scouting reports at this point?
Are you trolling right now? Did you read the rest of the sentence you cut out and didn't post?
I disagree with the "his stock will never be higher" crowd. If he is only projected a a FA or a 2nd round pick, coming back and becoming an upper 1st round pick, would earn him millions.
Another season, like this one, would further validate his talents and minimize the perception of his shortcomings. Unless he is evaluated as a 1st round pick, this year, it is likely he would be a much higher pick next year.
Another season, like this one, would further validate his talents and minimize the perception of his shortcomings. Unless he is evaluated as a 1st round pick, this year, it is likely he would be a much higher pick next year.
Don't do it Luka. You live on the second (round) floor
Only at Iowa does this sh** happen where we have the rug pulled out from under us when we're right at the door ready to open it..........
This...many scientists are predicting a 2nd Covid wave in the fall.
ESPN does not expect him to be drafted. He'll be back.
In today's story, ESPN wrote this: Garza is ranked No. 81 in the ESPN Top 100 for the NBA draft.
With 30 teams in the NBA, that means ESPN thinks he would be a LATE 3rd round pick. The problem? There are only 2 rounds in the NBA Draft. So, that would essentially make him an undrafted free agent.
He'll be back.
LINK: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-b...ka-garza-declares-nba-draft-keeps-eligibility
In today's story, ESPN wrote this: Garza is ranked No. 81 in the ESPN Top 100 for the NBA draft.
With 30 teams in the NBA, that means ESPN thinks he would be a LATE 3rd round pick. The problem? There are only 2 rounds in the NBA Draft. So, that would essentially make him an undrafted free agent.
He'll be back.
LINK: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-b...ka-garza-declares-nba-draft-keeps-eligibility
Only at Iowa does this sh** happen where we have the rug pulled out from under us when we're right at the door ready to open it..........
Only at Iowa does this sh** happen where we have the rug pulled out from under us when we're right at the door ready to open it..........
My concern is almost the opposite. That his feedback is he'll get drafted, 2nd round and be in the league, but that they believe he's reached his ceiling and nothing he does will change his status. I mean really, does anyone expect him to be BETTER next year, if there is a next season? I think that along with the uncertainty will move him on.
Well maybe. I guess we'll find out. Hoping for the best for both Luka and Iowa.
As do I, just think this is the most likely scenario. The fact that he's not rated that high after last year, and his age relative to how the NBA draft tells me, he'll have even less interest next year. If there is ANY chance he gets drafted I think he goes, because he's probably not going 1st round next season either. Unfortunately I think Luka ends up making a really good living playing in Europe, and he'd probably be comfortable with that.
Luka was the center of attention in the Big Ten this season...if he go's pro he will toil in complete anonymity whether in the G League or in Europe. He has the chance to again be the top dog and media darling in the best conference in the country.
I just don't think he's willing to give that up just yet, him and his dad just had too much fun....he'll be back!
I just don't think he's willing to give that up just yet, him and his dad just had too much fun....he'll be back!
His career FT average is 70%. Frankly, I don't think that will be the deciding factor for whether or not NBA teams draft him. I'm just hoping that rather than the endless travel, and the relatively few minutes he might get as an NBA player next season, he would prefer the limelight he basks in as a college senior. Of course the money isn't quite as good., but I doubt Luka wants for much.
...and while I love him as a college player, I think it's a 90% given that "somewhere" will be in Europe.
I don't think he'll go in the draft if he's going to be in the second round. Most second-rounders don't even make the team with a few exceptions. Will be interesting to see what the NBA tells him I wish him well whatever he does. But I can't lie I'm a part of me why don't you come back for another year.
