Oregon Ducks head coach Dana Altman talks with Iowa Hawkeyes center Luka Garza (55). Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Luka Garza gets standing ovation after final game with Iowa

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/22/21

Luka Garza’s historic career at Iowa has come to an end. Garza and the Hawkeyes were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament on Monday after falling to No. 7 Oregon 95-80.

The 22-year-old, holding back tears, received a standing ovation as he exited the court at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Luka Garza gets an ovation after dropping 36 PTS in his final game with Iowa pic.twitter.com/QSo4cjKZoM
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 22, 2021

Garza left his legacy on the court, notching 36 points, nine rebounds and one assist against the Ducks.

The Hawkeyes plan to retire Garza’s No. 55, which doesn’t come as a surprise considering he is the team’s all-time leading scorer. Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery called the decision a “no brainer.”

Garza finishes his collegiate career as a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year and two-time First-team All-American. He scored over 2,200 points and recorded over 900 rebounds.

In ESPN's latest mock draft, Garza is projected to be selected in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft.

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