Iowa center Luka Garza announced Sunday that he will withdraw from the NBA draft and return to for his senior season.
This is big news for the Hawkeyes. Garza averaged 23.8 points and 9.8 boards for a top 25 team. He was named a first-team All-American, Big Ten Player of the Year, and fell just shy of being the National Player of the Year. Losing that award to Obi Toppin.
Although he earned and was considered for awards such as Player of the Year and first-team All-American he is not projected to be as a great pro due to his lack of mobility. Yes he broke records and yes he’s a monster down low both scoring and on the glass. He cant even stretch the floor and knockdown a three. But he’s not an amazing defender and is not very effective in pick and roll or situations. Hopefully returning will help him work on his mobility and defensive abilities which would make him a top prospect.
Luka Garza announcing his return solidifies the Hawkeyes as a legitimate contender to win the Big Ten championship and possibly even a run at the National Championship. The program has not reached the Final Four since 1980 and has not won a Big Ten title since 1979.
