By Dallas Jones

IOWA CITY, IA – Just one year removed from being named the best player in the country, Luka Garza returned to Carver-Hawkeye Arena Tuesday night to celebrate the official retiring of his jersey and other Hawkeye greats.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Garza said, “I put everything I had into that jersey for four years, so to see it go up in the rafters is something I’ll never forget.”

Luka is among many other great Hawkeyes who will be recognized tonight and have their jersey’s cemented as apart of Carver-Hawkeye Arena for generations to come.

The all-time leading scorer in Hawkeye basketball history finished his career with one of the most decorated resumes in program history. Two-time Consensus first-team all-American, two-time Big Ten player of the year, Wooden award winner, and many many more. 

After being selected 52nd overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, Luka arrived in Detroit and signed a two-way contract with the Pistons.

With lots of roster movement due to COVID protocols and a rebuilding roster, Garza has shown his effectiveness in the league already, appearing in 29 NBA games and starting five.

He is averaging five points and three rebounds in just under twelve minutes per game. His best performance of the year came on New Year’s Day this year when he logged 20 points and 14 rebounds, matching up against his former teammate Joe Wieskamp and the San Antonio Spurs.

See what Garza said about what the night means to him, the success of the team this year, and his NBA transition, check out what he had to say here: