Is Garza the best center in Iowa history?
- Thread starter Aleksei
- Start date
The last final four consolation game was in 1981. My post referred to regional consolation games, which ended in 1975.
In my lifetime that I remember
1) Garza
2) Earl
3) Lohous
4) Rucker - when he played with Woolridge
5) Reiner
6) Hensen
7) Koch- more of a 4
8) Sondy
9) Jespen
10) Gorney
1) Garza
2) Earl
3) Lohous
4) Rucker - when he played with Woolridge
5) Reiner
6) Hensen
7) Koch- more of a 4
8) Sondy
9) Jespen
10) Gorney
I’m not a Hawkeye fan, but grew up listening to them on the radio. Don Nelson came to mind and then Kevin Kunnert, as both saw significant NBA time.
I think Garza has potential to be a regular at the next level, especially since he is competent from the arc.
I think Garza has potential to be a regular at the next level, especially since he is competent from the arc.
I guess I was half right - he is listed as 225 lb. I think the 6'8 was also one of those that listed Brunner at 6'8 or whatever too! lol
I didn't realize (found when looking this up) that he died at age 30!!!!
As I recall, Nelson carried a team that lost 4 starters at the semester break. That team almost upset Ohio State with Jerry Lucas, Tom Havlicek, and possibly Bobby Knight. I'm too lazy to look it up but no matter, Nelson was one of a kind. Garza closing fast. Both great Hawkeyes!
I've watched a number of great centers during my life, but none of them were as fun to watch as Luka.
Jerry Lucas, John Havlicek and Larry Seigfried. I listened to the game on the radio, but your recollection is pretty good. I know Knight was on the team, but not sure if he even played.
As I recall, Nelson's shot to pull off a huge upset over a fabulous Ohio State team rimmed in and out. One of the most memorable games I can recall.
Chuck Darling for his era was truly a great center. I had the opportunity to see him play several times and will never forget him. The game has changed but not the passion it is played with. Chuck had that passion.
The thing that puts Garza over the top for me against the rest of the centers is his heart. Dude just works on every play and doesn't take plays off to watch. He has to be awful to play against for opposing teams.
I can't believe none of you have mentioned David Palmer...you know, the 2 game wonder that TL threw out there in 2009, played great against Purdue and Wisconsin and then poof, hardly ever saw him again....ah....never mind.....
Iowa in the last 40 year's or so have had some good to great centers, Paine, Stokes, Horton, Earl, Rucker, Reiner, Hansen, & yes Woodbury, but Luka is in a class by himself. He definitely doesn't fit the athletic mold that some of our past center exhibited, but the kid is athletic in his own body and won't be out worked, or out hustled by any other center in college basketball. Love watching him, and whether he returns for his senior year or not, we have been blessed to be able to watch him perform on the big stage. Fran may not be the greatest recruiter in college basketball, cue the understatement, but he should be given kudos for getting him to come to Iowa. We may never see another center like him the rest of our lives...enjoy
Iowa in the last 40 year's or so have had some good to great centers, Paine, Stokes, Horton, Earl, Rucker, Reiner, Hansen, & yes Woodbury, but Luka is in a class by himself. He definitely doesn't fit the athletic mold that some of our past center exhibited, but the kid is athletic in his own body and won't be out worked, or out hustled by any other center in college basketball. Love watching him, and whether he returns for his senior year or not, we have been blessed to be able to watch him perform on the big stage. Fran may not be the greatest recruiter in college basketball, cue the understatement, but he should be given kudos for getting him to come to Iowa. We may never see another center like him the rest of our lives...enjoy
It's not, but his offense is truly great. He's getting to the point where he's the best low post scorer we've seen for a while, and I'm not just talking about Iowa but college basketball in general.
Kevin Kunnert belongs on the list. As somebody pointed out, he played in the NBA for quite a few years. Dubuque Wahlert.
Some people won’t like this comparison but his footwork, his low post technique is flawless and it’s almost automatic when gets the ball down low.
A couple of times tonight he reminded me of Megan Gustafson. She was the most dominant, efficient player on the block I’ve seen in a long time.
He's been defending and feeding the post well tonight. Should have had 5 assists, as that one with 1:20 left he fed to Kreiner ended up being a missed gimmee layup. Did lots of stuff that doesn't show up in the stat line.
I mentioned this last year - that Iowa's big guys needed to start doing the layup drills MG did to learn that quick coordination in getting the ball up fast. She was one of the best at this. Apparently, Garza was paying attention to her success, because he's doing the same thing this year - going up before the double-team can commit, and if they commit too early, dishing back out for 3s.
He had a nice bounce back but man when he came in, it was a rough start. First pass nearly thrown away and fumbles the ball out of bounds. Lazy on the getting back but bailed out by a teammate. Not exactly inspiring play BUT after that very solid.
Greg Stokes played in a era when everyone played four years and the Big Ten was so loaded. Iowa had six or seven guys who could fill up the basket on any give night. His inside game made it possible for the others to have more space. He has my vote until Garza plays four years
Garza's style and emotional charisma reminds me of Chris Street more than any previous hawk post Street era. He is doing a hell of a Megan Gustafson sequel for sure!
I agree that Don Nelson was the best. I don't remember what year but was a year when Iowa lost I believe three starters at mid year because of grades. Don led Iowa against Ohio State who had Jerry Lucas and John Havlicek and bench players and nearly beat them at the Field House. A bench player on that Ohio State team was Bobby Knight.Too many youngsters on this board. Don Nelson was the best..After Iowa lost 4 starters to grades, he still carried them to a Big 10 title game where they lost by a couple of points to Ohio State with a team of All Americans. Then he went to the NBA as a forward/center and played something like 16 years, mostly with the Boston Celtics. So when Garza wins 5 NBA titles and lasts 16 years then I'll give him credit for the
GOAT as an Iowa center....
There are 3 generations that use Squibs that post on here. I'm the oldest and the smartest FYI.
Went to Iowa from 1953-57. Great Hawk athletic years. The 54-55 and 55-56 basketball teams were great fun. Won the Big Ten both years and was NCAA runner-up to San Francisco in 56. Logan, Sugar Cain, Seaberg, Schoof, and Scheuerman started 3 years and finished 2nd, 1st, 1st in the Big Ten...but you have to be in your 80's to remember them. Really good individually and great as a team in that noisy old iron field house
I’m changing my answer to an unequivocal yes. Not only that, he’s probably going to go down as my favorite Iowa basketball player of all time.
And the headline in the next morning’s newspaper ... ‘Iowa Waites for a Victory’. Love it.
