Garza declares but keeps his eligibility

[anon_i8nzeu2gbf0ba]

FWIW, I've said all along that Luka would be back, and I continue to believe that. I think Luka is well aware of the difference between pro ball and the college game and how his skills fit. I also think he appreciates the fact that playing his senior year in college is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, especially given that Iowa is a top ten team with an excellent shot at winning a most elusive Big Ten title, making the Final Four, and having a legitimate chance to win a national title.

If Iowa were bringing back a mediocre team next season, maybe Luka would leave. But he clearly has a chance to be the greatest player in Iowa history and set all kinds of team and individual records next season.

Luka can eventually make plenty of money in pro ball, but there are many reasons to wait one more year for those paychecks, including the fact that he doesn't need the money.

Chuck Long said he came back for his final year because he loved playing college football, and he didn't want to miss out on that, especially with a team that was so talented it nearly won the national title. The NFL didn't turn out well for Chuck, of course, but he's never had to look back and wonder what might have been had he played his final year as a Hawkeye. And I think Luka understands that too. No matter where he plays professionally or how much money he makes, he'll never be in the spotlight like he would be next season. He loves Fran, he loves Iowa City, and he loves his teammates. He'll be back. I just hope college basketball will be too.

 

[blockm2]

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!

well I mean he could also get paid money to toil in anonymity vs getting no money to be a top dog at Iowa.

Nobody knows what priorities these kids have. Personally I think if a kid gets any 1st round grade they should always go pro. Now it's even getting iffy with the top half of the 2nd round because those kids are getting guaranteed contracts now too (although that's a little more iffy to me).

I do think every junior should go through the evaluation process, though. I mean the NCAA even lets them use agents now without giving up their eligibility. The problem this year is I have no idea how the evaluation process is even going to happen. Predraft combine is usually the biggie where teams can see prospects play in 5 on 5 settings and I see no way that happens.

 

[anon_ts5cfra6drv7r]

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

Devils advocate. Coming back gives him another year for things to settle down. If he wants money who knows what contracts will look like the season after possible bankruptcies and union busting tactics. Another year in college could financially be better on the long run then chasing smaller money this year.

 

[Johnny Uthoff]

Frank said he's coming back to a family friend (FF) during the season. I don't go to games, so I don't know things like this the way you all do. But I guess Frank enjoys talking to people and is very engaging with those who approach him.

FF would go up and talk to him after games. After one of them, FF said something like, "We sure love having your son as a Hawkeye. We hope he comes back next year." Frank's response was, "He's coming back. And we're going to win the whole f*ckin' thing!"

This was before the black plague. And maybe this will be the best chance Luka has at making the NBA given how well he played. I sure hope he's here in the fall though. I can't remember an Iowa team that seems as loaded with returning players and recruits as this one.

 

[QChawks]

Unless he projects top 20 I don’t see him not coming back.

no harm I’m getting input from scouts for things to work on next year during his payback tour

 

[kceasthawk]

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.

I guess, but there's pretty much Zero doubt he's not getting drafted in the first round and knows this already, SO why even get the evaluation? Luka has a very unique support system, of multiple family members who have played high level college and Pro basketball, and he values their input immensely. The fact that he is doing this tells me that he's at a crossroads in making a decision, and it could go either way. It may very well be that the league tells him he'll most likely never be a regular player in the NBA, and he moves on to Europe now, given the uncertainty of the NCAA right now.

 

[33hawkfan]

Highly doubtful there’s a 2020 NCAA basketball season so better off going pro now.

 

[Bro D]

All it takes is one team to promise him in the first round

 

[BBHawk]

He gone...were Iowa and we know how this ends.

You are definitely not Iowa, Fusker...

 

[amahawk]

Are there any good JUCO Bigs out there to get?

 

[CyberJJ]

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!

I have no idea if he will end up going or staying, but either way, his shooting is quite possibly the LEAST limiting factor to him making the jump and likely the one thing that might make the difference in him making an NBA team.

 

[CyberJJ]

He'll be back unless the NBA says he's a sure thing first-round pick. My opinion

Not sure I buy that line of logic with Luka. Your reasoning is sound with young players with a lot of upside. In Luka's case he came of a GREAT season, and just am not sure the return would improve his stock much more than it is now. His strengths are obvious, and his weaknesses are more athletic than skill/effort, thus not guaranteed to improve with another year. I have no idea if he stays or goes, but if it is his dream to play in the NBA, a pretty certain draft evaluation at any level might be enough for him to jump. Very different than where Joe W was last year.

 

[Stormn Norman]

I have no idea if he will end up going or staying, but either way, his shooting is quite possibly the LEAST limiting factor to him making the jump and likely the one thing that might make the difference in him making an NBA team.

I’ll say again, his shot will have to improve to be an NBA player and if you’re going to be shooting improved ball handling will be a factor as well. While he’s very crafty offensively and defensively under and around the basket now I can’t see him making a living in the NBA down there. So his mid range and 3 point shot are going to need to be lethal. Luca hasn’t been blessed as athletically as most the guys his size in the NBA. He’s a good shooter for his size but it will need to better in the NBA.. I’m not buying Luca going to the NBA and making it there based on his jump shooting ability..

 

[LuteHawk]

Luka Garza will play his Senior Year
at Iowa. He has the opportunity to set
records that would make him the
greatest Hawkeye basketball player in
history. The Legend Of Luka is real.

 

[Titanhawk2]

This...many scientists are predicting a 2nd Covid wave in the fall.

And that would mean no NBA either

 

[Jizzer]

Highly doubtful there’s a 2020 NCAA basketball season so better off going pro now.

So there's not gonna be college ball, but Pro ball? Not sure this makes sense.

 

[anon_likibb9jzd3e0]

Highly doubtful there’s a 2020 NCAA basketball season so better off going pro now.

If there's no college basketball season, there would also not be an NBA season, correct?

And I don't think NBA owners will be signing anyone to a new contract, until they know there's going to be a season.

 

[HerkyFan]

With Luka declaring for the draft clown fans haven’t been happier since they beat K-State at Hilton.
Then again with all their wiffs on the recruiting trail lately they really needed something.

 

[mazda1]

I put no stock in ESPN’s opinions, but Luka isn’t in any of the first round projections that I’ve seen. I do think his pick and roll D in man to man is likely going to get questioned.

None of us can predict the virus, what one team may want Luka, and how strong he feels about his legacy at Iowa. Unlike many kids who bolt for family reasons I suspect they are fine financially and would not pressure him to take the bucks and run.

If everything in our world get’s “blown-up” the college degree is likely going to be more important than ones ability to play hoops.

My gut tells me he’s coming back.

 

[CyberJJ]

I’ll say again, his shot will have to improve to be an NBA player and if you’re going to be shooting improved ball handling will be a factor as well. While he’s very crafty offensively and defensively under and around the basket now I can’t see him making a living in the NBA down there. So his mid range and 3 point shot are going to need to be lethal. Luca hasn’t been blessed as athletically as most the guys his size in the NBA. He’s a good shooter for his size but it will need to better in the NBA.. I’m not buying Luca going to the NBA and making it there based on his jump shooting ability..

While everyone can improve, and I don't know if he will be athletic enough to stick in the NBA (will he be able to defend the pick'n roll?), his shooting ability is NOT his limiting factor.

 

[Legend12]

With Luka declaring for the draft clown fans haven’t been happier since they beat K-State at Hilton.
Then again with all their wiffs on the recruiting trail lately they really needed something.

Why bring ISU up in this thread, Jeff Reininga?

 

[blockm2]

my best guess is that Garza gets projected no better than end of 2nd round and comes back. Although he isn't going to get projected any better than that next year either. His future is in Europe. He's in that sweet spot for college of skilled enough to have a major impact but lacking in enough things that the NBA not a major threat.

 

[Legend12]

Luka can eventually make plenty of money in pro ball, but there are many reasons to wait one more year for those paychecks, including the fact that he doesn't need the money.
.

How are you so sure of the Garza's financial situation?

 

[TheTruthTheWholeTruth]

He’s coming back. 2nd round money, at worst, will be there for him next year too. Champions want to win championships. Everything is on the table for a Iowa next year.

 

[eyesofhawk]

Is the timing of the offer to Wiznitzer a bad sign?

 

[33hawkfan]

And that would mean no NBA either

Probably Euro Leagues for sure, playing without fans has some precedent over there. Might as well get paid instead of not playing at all.

 

[kceasthawk]

Is the timing of the offer to Wiznitzer a bad sign?

Not if we get him. Luka is gone in the next 12 months regardless, so I sure hope we sign another skilled big.....

 

[HawkRugged17]

 

[BeepBeepInMyJeep]

How are you so sure of the Garza's financial situation?

It's not exactly a well-guarded secret that Frank Garza does very, very well financially.

 

[BirdistheWord]

Luka has a high "floor" given his size, skills and work ethic against top level competition. However, I do think he has a lower "ceiling" than many players. I can see him improving free throw shooting, 3 point shooting and adding some additional low post moves.

 

[Legend12]

It's not exactly a well-guarded secret that Frank Garza does very, very well financially.

Some people wouldn't call it a secret, they'd call it a fabrication.

 

[HerkyFan]

Why bring ISU up in this thread, Jeff Reininga?

CyTwins is touchy today.

 

[goodbyebobby]

Some people wouldn't call it a secret, they'd call it a fabrication.

Agreed. Read what he does for a living, know what he did in his younger days, and they have an apartment now.

Nothing about any of those three strikes me as being well off financially.

 

[brownd7949hawks]

Pretty much said he’s not wanting to go G-league route. I think he will be back

 

[NevadaHawk]

I would think Luka would have to be assured he will go within the top 15 picks. Anything short of that I believe he will come back for his senior year. Keeping fingers crossed

 

[HawkGem11]

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.

Wrong, if he leaves this is a .500 team

 

[Raptorpeeps]

I would think Luka would have to be assured he will go within the top 15 picks. Anything short of that I believe he will come back for his senior year. Keeping fingers crossed

What? He’s not going to be a top 15 pick this year, next year or ANY year. He already knows this. You really think he’ll turn down a second round pick and his dream of playing at the highest level of basketball to come back?

Just dumb.

He’ll be back to kick ass and chew bubble gum next year because he’s not getting drafted in the first or second round. Then he’ll make a lot of dough in Europe.

 

[HawkTex]

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.

Dead wrong on his stock. There are several ways he can elevate his stock and the major ones have nothing to do with scoring more points.

 

[Raptorpeeps]

Dead wrong on his stock. There are several ways he can elevate his stock and the major ones have nothing to do with scoring more points.

What are they?

While you’re at it, list a few bigs that improved their draft position by coming back for their senior year. I’ll get you started — Kaminsky. Name three more.

A guy who has already accomplished what Luka has has more chance of having more weaknesses exposed by coming back than he does improving his production significantly.

He’ll be back but not because he’s going to get drafted in the first round next year but rather because he’s not going to get drafted in the second this year.

 

[Bro D]

Bulls promised chandler hutchison a 1st round pick a few years back and he worked out for nobody else.. granted he was a senior but this happens all the time. If you get get drafted anywhere in 1st, you go. I think he stays but all it takes is one owner to love him