IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa forward Luka Garza was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week, it was announced Monday by the conference office.
Garza (6-foot-11, 235 pounds) led Iowa to a pair of victories last week over Chicago State (95-62) and Alabama State (92-58). The native of Washington, D.C., averaged a team-best 13.5 points, nine rebounds, and 2.5 blocked shots. He made 57.1 percent (8-of-14) of his field goal attempts.
Against Chicago State, Garza totaled a team-best 16 points, three blocks, and five rebounds. Garza became just the second Hawkeye in the last 20 years to register 16 points and five rebounds in their debut (Aaron White in 2011).
Garza posted his first career double-double (11 points, 13 rebounds) in only 19 minutes of action in Iowa’s 34-point win over the Hornets on Sunday. Garza is the fifth Hawkeye to post a double-double in either his first or second game over the last 20 years, joining Dean Oliver, Reggie Evans, Devon Archie, and Aaron White.
Garza and the Hawkeyes return to action on Thursday against Grambling State. Tipoff is set for 7:01 p.m. (CT) at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Tickets are available through the Iowa Athletic Ticket Office by calling 1-800-IA-HAWKS or ordering online at hawkeyesports.com/tickets.