Iowa’s Luke Garza ready to chase NBA dreams

Iowa’s Luka Garza using doubters to fuel NBA dreams

from Erin Walsh with YardBarker.com/www.yardbarker.com

It’s unclear if Iowa star Luka Garza will find success in the NBA. However, he’s not letting the doubters throw him off.

In an interview with TMZ Sports, Garza said he’s using all the negativity to fuel his NBA dreams and is ready to prove that he belongs at the next level.

“I love it!” Garza said of the negativity. “I love to hear it. I love to see it. It’s fun for me! They don’t know it because they probably don’t like me, but it’s helping me.”

Garza added that he has dealt with doubters throughout his career and is working “harder than ever” in hopes of proving he’s a first-rounder.

“I have full confidence in myself that I can be an effective guy for any organization because I play hard as I can, I work as hard as I can,” Garza said. “I’m excited about the process, it’s gonna be a lot of fun and I’m excited to make my dreams come true.”

The 22-year-old became a legend at Iowa and is the team’s all-time leading scorer. He was voted the best college basketball player in 2021 and finished his collegiate career as a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year and two-time First-team All-American.

Garza notched more than 2,200 points and recorded over 900 rebounds with the Hawkeyes, who plan to retire his No. 55.

In USA Today’s latest mock draft, Garza is projected to be a late first-round pick. Other outlets have him going in the second round.