One thing is for certain after watching both the Wisconsin Badgers and Milwaukee Bucks get killed in the paint they both need to find answers. Unfortunately, I don’t have any for Greg Gard’s Badgers, however I might have solved the Bucks for next year. Luka Garza!!
Luka Garza single handily put the game out of reach in the first half for Iowa against the Badgers Thursday night. A match up Wisconsin will see again sadly very soon. However, Garza brilliant play the last two seasons have had a lot of teams feeling incapable. Garza is on pace to become just the second player in the last 30 years years behind Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson to average at least 23 points and 8 rebounds in consecutive years in the Big Ten.
What kind of player is Luka Garza?
Garza a 6’11 center has shown growth in his time at Iowa as he has shown improved defense, great basketball IQ and a willingness to continue to work hard and do the little things to help his team win.
While those attributes have made him a great player and team player its his offensive game that will make him a good NBA player. Garza’s great footwork and touch makes him a tough match up inside as he is strong enough to score inside through contact. But what if he can’t score inside? That’s okay, he will step out space the floor and hit the three.
How he fits with the Bucks?
So how does a 6’11 big fit with this Bucks team? A team that has Giannis as a driver and slasher to score inside? Garza will come into the league and behind Lopez’s veteran presence become the Bucks new floor spacing big man. A guy who can strive in pick and roll or pick and pop situations with Giannis and Middleton, Garza is a modern day big man. He would also bring a much needed inside presence to the Bucks and be able to post up when the offense stalls. If he gets doubled like he does plenty in Iowa he has shown good passing ability to find the shooters around him.
Draft night
Luka Garza started the season as a mid-second round pick and has slowly raised his stock throughout the season. Now projecting between pick 26 and 34 he falls into the realm of where the Bucks likely will be picking. Filling a need instantly for the Bucks, and his experience will allow for a quicker transition to the NBA.
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