USA Today via Reuters
Nov 25, 2020; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; North Carolina Central Eagles guard Mike Melvin (1) goes to the basket as Iowa Hawkeyes center Luka Garza (55) and forward Keegan Murray (15) and forward Patrick McCaffery (22) and guard Joe Toussaint (1) defend during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 25, 2020; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; North Carolina Central Eagles guard Mike Melvin (1) goes to the basket as Iowa Hawkeyes center Luka Garza (55) and forward Keegan Murray (15) and forward Patrick McCaffery (22) and guard Joe Toussaint (1) defend during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Luka Garza has shown his elite capabilities once again in the Iowa Hawkeyes season opener against North Carolina Central. Garza scored 26 points, with 10 rebounds and three blocked shots in a highly efficient performance. Garza’s Hawkeyes rolled to a 97-67 victory with Garza being the most eye-catching.
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Garza was one of the best players in college basketball last season. Under normal circumstances, he would have already been a first-round pick on an NBA Franchise. However, he withdrew from the 2020 Draft to return to college and it is clear to see why. Garza is hell-bent on making his case as a top-pick undeniable.
Garza is possibly the best player in college basketball this year, and he will be eyeing all the National Player of the Year trophies. The Hawkeyes will also hope to have some success in the NCAA Tournament with the young Garza at the helm. Let’s take a look at Garza’s potential for this season of college basketball and what his possible position on the draft board may be come 2021.
Luka Garza destined to succeed?
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 25, 2020; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes center Luka Garza (55) goes to the basket as North Carolina Central Eagles guard Ty Graves (3) defends during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
There are many reasons why Garza didn’t enter the draft this year. While we may have called him a first-round pick, there was no guarantee he would go there. There have been concerns with his perimeter shot, athleticism, and strength, all qualities that are very valued in prospects.
Garza will also be 22 by the time he enters the NBA, so his age will also play against him. But we see plenty of fantastic picks sometimes slide down the board. While many expect him to graduate this year and then have an easy transition into the NBA, the 2021 Draft Class is one of the better ones in recent memory. Garza is competing with a lot of talented people that will be looking to move to the NBA with him.
A new-age center like Garza would be an appetizing pick-up for many teams. But as the NBA’s game is moving away from Garza’s skill-set, it looks like his road up is becoming harder. But from what we have seen in his debut and how this NCAA season will play out? Garza will be a definite favorite in the race for Player of the Year, especially after his second-place finish last season.
