If some were able to increase their odds during the Draft Combine, this was not really the case for Luka Garza. Slowed down by a groin problem, he was unable to participate in the various organized matches.
And his physical tests confirmed his limitations, with his performance in races, sprints and relaxation among the worst on record this year. On the other hand, he shone on the shoot exercises, compiling a very good 17/25 (3rd perf) on a 3-point exercise where he had to change position with each success.
“In my opinion, I am the best inside shooter of the Draft”, he lets go, while his rating is difficult to assess, the most optimistic forecasts only announcing it in the middle of the second round.
A diet to move better defensively
Yet crowned best player of the year in the NCAA, the interior of Iowa compiled 24.1 points and 8.7 rebounds, with a 44% success in 3-points for his last campaign in Iowa, but his physical limitations make the scouts much doubt. NBA, who generally think that it will be extremely difficult to survive defensively in the current league.
It is surely for this reason that it arrived in any case very refined during the Draft Combine.
While he was listed at 123 kilos for 2m16 by the Hawkeyes, he assures that he has now “fallen” to 110 kilos, thanks to a flexitarian diet, limiting as much as possible bread and sugar, with a vegetable base and some inputs of meat, but mainly chicken and fish.
“I am hard on myself” he assures. “I got in shape but it’s worth it. I’ve heard the reviews for my game, and I’m trying to prove that I move better than people say. I know what I’m being criticized for anyway. For me, this is something that I welcome with open arms. It gives me a list of goals. “
Late night workout with Iowa’s Luka Garza at UIC in Chicago. Garza has lost nearly 30 pounds from the end of the season, down to a svelte 243 pounds. Shooting the ball really well here. pic.twitter.com/CqFnCC8Sxz
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 23, 2021
