WATCH: Luka Garza Introduced In Iowa Hawkeyes Home Arena For The Final Time in NCAA Career
Follow Us
Luka Garza is the presumed College Player of the Year this season. While he could have gotten that honor last season, he lost out to current New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin. However, Garza has run this year almost uncontested in the player of the year voting. While players like Ayo Dosunmu, Jared Butler, Drew Timme, and even Hunter Dickinson looked to challenge him, they all have fallen short.
If any of them return next year, they can try to win a Player of the Year award without Garza, who is in his final season with Iowa. The team announced that his #55 will be retired, as Garza has become the greatest scorer in the history of the program. Considering how iconic Garza has become, his final introduction was going to be special.
Luka Garza being introduced to the Iowa starting lineup for the final time inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. pic.twitter.com/aXOLL8xC8Q
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) March 7, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But it wasn’t. It was a regular introduction, just like one everyone would expect Garza to get. However, the emotion could be felt in that huddle. They knew that maybe the greatest player of this team’s history is playing his final home game, and the team embraced after Garza was introduced.
Luka Garza: Graduating as the greatest Hawkeyes ever?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Luka Garza is inarguably the greatest Hawkeye ever. While this is also a team where Don Nelson played, his impact isn’t the same as Garza. Nelson made his impact outside of Iowa and in the NBA. Meanwhile, Garza decided to stick through four years of college ball. Even though he was going to declare for the draft last season.
The Hawkeyes retiring his jersey is the only right move they can make. He’s a legend for the team and should be treated with that respect. His stature will only be boosted if they manage to win a national title this season. While Iowa isn’t favored to do so, a mercurial talent like Garza can flip games on his own.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Restricted by NFL Contract, Simone Biles Reveals if Jonathan Owens Will Attend Paris Olympics 2024
April 17, 2024 09:03 PM EDT
Silencing Nike Chaos, Sha’Carri Richardson’s Historic Move With Sprite Puts Her in 96-Year-Old Inner Circle for Olympics
April 18, 2024 10:20 PM EDT
Dale Jr Unmasks Teresa Earnhardt’s Refusal to Sell Him His Late Father’s Prized Possession That Forced Relocation Move
April 17, 2024 12:29 PM EDT
Shaq Makes Big Claim That Can End LeBron James’ Future With Lakers After Nuggets Series
April 17, 2024 06:48 PM EDT
Possible Shohei Ohtani Ban From MLB Has Shaq Questioning $700 Million Contract
April 16, 2024 05:20 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
The case for Garza as the greatest Hawkeye ever may already be shut. However, a national player of the year award and a possible March Madness tournament win will make his position in Iowa’s history books impenetrable.