Hawkeyes’ Luka Garza Matches Michael Jordan in Division I History Books With Latest Achievement

Luka Garza has etched his name in the Iowa Hawkeyes’ history books. The walls of the Carver-Hawkeye Arena will sing his praise forever because such is the effort that he’s been putting in for the prosperity of the team over the past four seasons. 

The most rewarding part for Luka Garza is that everyone acknowledges the weight he’s been carrying on his back as the best player at Iowa. Furthermore, Garza also receives several accolades for his achievements which would largely boost his hunger to succeed. 

Luka Garza makes history by winning the Sporting News National Player of the Year award

Luka Garza has bid farewell to the Iowa Hawkeyes in a wonderful fashion. Though the job is not yet done, Garza played his final game at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena for Iowa. He was treated to a wonderful farewell, and the 6’11” center was reduced to tears during the event. 

Garza enjoyed a wonderful senior year for Iowa and picked up the Sporting News Men’s College Basketball Player of the Year award for the second successive year. This is a prestigious accolade for any Division I player and Garza has been winning it for the past two seasons. 

Only a very few players have won multiple Sporting News Men’s College Basketball Player of the Year awards during their careers and Luka Garza became the latest addition to the coveted list. He’s in good company though. 

Although only Oscar Robertson and Bill Walton have been three-time winners, Garza can pride himself in being matched alongside names like Michael Jordan, and Lew Alcindor (now Kareem Abdul-Jabbar). 

Garza certainly deserves this accolade for his excellent displays this season. He’s averaging 23.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game and Iowa finished their regular season with a 20-7 record. 

A modest Garza does not rank himself as the best Hawkeye of All-Time

Although Garza stands at 6’11”, his humility is what keeps him at par with the others. In four seasons, Luka Garza has made a case to be called the great Hawkeye of all time, but he doesn’t want that kind of recognition. 

The Hawkeyes announced that they will retire Garza’s #55 jersey during Garza’s final game at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena. It is a massive accomplishment in Garza’s career, but he does not want to be referred to as the greatest in Hawkeyes’ history. 

The big-man feels that six-foot-three Megan Gustafson is the best to ever play for Iowa. What’s your take? Do you think Garza is the greatest Hawkeye ever?

ALSO READ – Meet Frank Garza, the Visionary Father of Iowa Hawkeyes’ Luka Garza