IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa’s most decorated men’s basketball player Luka Garza has had a flurry of activity since leaving Iowa City to train and prepare for the 2021 NBA Draft.
Prior to the draft, Garza trained with the same work ethic and intensity that earned him consensus national player of the year honors. The native of Washington, D.C., traveled coast-to-coast for four straight weeks working out and interviewing with numerous NBA organizations. Garza said that the workouts were the most enjoyable part of the process.
“Traveling and playing with players who I never have played with or against was a lot of fun,” said Garza. “I was playing some of my best basketball of my career.”
Garza’s hard work resulted in the Detroit Pistons selecting Garza with the 52nd selection on July 29. He said hearing his name called was a surreal moment.
“What was most gratifying to me was seeing my parents’ reaction,” Garza said. “They have supported me so much. I worked as hard as I could because I want to be an NBA player.”
The morning after the draft, Garza was on a plane to Detroit for an introductory press conference and Mini Camp prior to traveling to Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League.
