Gonzaga’s Luka Garza Wins 2024 NCAA Player of the Year—Here’s What It Means for His NBA Future
Luka Garza, the Gonzaga guard nicknamed “El Principito,” has been named the 2024 NCAA Player of the Year by the Associated Press, capping off a historic freshman season that has redefined the guard’s role in college basketball and elevated his NBA draft profile to top-tier status. The award, announced Monday, follows Garza’s 19.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game this season—numbers that place him among the most dominant freshmen in NCAA history. With the Zags still in the mix for a Final Four berth, Garza’s recognition underscores a shift: he’s no longer just Gonzaga’s floor general but the face of a program now positioning him as a potential No. 1 overall pick.
Why Garza’s Award Is a Turning Point for Gonzaga—and the NBA Draft
The AP Player of the Year honor is the latest in a string of accolades for Garza, who was also named to the First Team All-American and the AP All-Defensive Team. But the significance extends beyond individual achievement: it signals that Gonzaga’s frontcourt—already stacked with Brandon Clarke and Dom Dominguez—is now anchored by a playmaker whose versatility (38.2% three-point shooting, 92% free-throw accuracy) and leadership have transformed the Zags’ offense.
According to AP records, Garza is the first Gonzaga player to win the award since Adam Morrison in 2007. The comparison is apt: like Morrison, Garza has carried a team to unexpected heights. This season, Gonzaga sits at 27-4, with a path to the NCAA Tournament’s top seed still alive. But the real story is Garza’s draft trajectory. Scouts and analysts, including those polled by NBA.com, now rank him as a top-three pick—some even projecting him to leapfrog Victor Wembanyama if health and consistency hold.
Key stat: Garza’s 19.8 PPG average ranks third among freshmen this season, trailing only Chet Holmgren (20.1) and Amen and Ausar Thompson (20.0). His 5.8 APG, however, is the highest among all NCAA players, freshman or not.
How Garza’s Game Compares to Past No. 1 Picks—and Where He Stands Now
Garza’s rise mirrors that of other elite freshmen who dominated college basketball before declaring for the NBA. But his skill set—elite ball-handling, mid-range scoring, and defensive tenacity—sets him apart from recent top picks like Paolo Banchero (who lacked Garza’s playmaking) or Jalen Green (whose three-point shooting isn’t yet as refined).
| Player | Season | PPG | APG | 3P% | Draft Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Garza | 2023-24 | 19.8 | 5.8 | 38.2% | Projected Top 3 |
| Paolo Banchero | 2021-22 | 21.1 | 3.2 | 37.5% | No. 1 Overall |
| Jalen Green | 2021-22 | 20.0 | 3.5 | 41.2% | No. 1 Overall |
| Chet Holmgren | 2022-23 | 20.1 | 2.7 | 35.0% | No. 1 Overall |
Garza’s assist numbers, in particular, have NBA teams taking notice. “He’s not just a scorer—he’s a facilitator at the guard position, which is rare for a freshman,” said an NBA scout speaking to Sports Illustrated. “That’s a trait that translates immediately at the next level.”
What the Award Means for Gonzaga’s NCAA Tournament Hopes
With the Zags still alive in the West Region, Garza’s award adds another layer to their narrative. Gonzaga enters the Sweet Sixteen as the No. 2 seed, facing a potential matchup with Houston or San Diego State in Spokane. The question now isn’t whether Garza can lead Gonzaga deep—it’s whether he can sustain his production in a high-pressure environment.
Mark Few, Gonzaga’s head coach, has been tight-lipped about Garza’s draft intentions but acknowledged the award’s impact. “It’s a reflection of Luka’s hard work and the trust our team has placed in him,” Few said in a post-award statement. “We’re focused on the season, but obviously, this is a big moment for him.”
Next up: Gonzaga’s Sweet Sixteen game tips off at 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT) on Saturday, June 15, at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. A win would set up a potential Elite Eight showdown with the winner of the Houston-San Diego State game.
How Garza’s Draft Stock Could Shift Before the NBA Combine
While Garza’s AP award solidifies his top-tier status, his draft stock remains fluid. Three key factors will determine his final ranking:
- Health and stamina: Garza has played through minor injuries this season, including a strained hamstring in February. Teams will scrutinize his ability to handle a full NBA workload.
- Defensive impact: Garza’s 1.8 steals per game rank among the highest in the country. If he can translate that to perimeter defense at the NBA level, his value could skyrocket.
- Three-point consistency: Garza’s 38.2% shooting from deep is elite for a freshman, but NBA teams will want to see higher volume and accuracy in workouts.
According to the latest NBA Draft Combine projections, Garza is currently the consensus No. 2 pick behind Wembanyama, with some mock drafts slotting him at No. 1 if Wembanyama’s foot surgery recovery takes longer than expected.
What’s Next for Garza—and How Fans Can Follow
Garza’s path forward is clear: the NBA Draft Combine in late June, followed by team workouts in July. His decision to declare for the draft is expected by the NCAA’s deadline on April 15, 2025, though rumors suggest he may enter the 2024 draft early.
How to follow:
- NBA Draft Combine: June 24–28, 2024 (Las Vegas)
- Gonzaga’s remaining games: Sweet Sixteen (June 15), Elite Eight (June 22)
- Official updates: Gonzaga Athletics | NBA Draft Tracker
For now, Garza’s focus remains on leading Gonzaga to its first Final Four since 2021. But with the AP award cementing his legacy as one of the most electrifying freshmen in NCAA history, one thing is certain: the NBA is watching closely.
Your Turn: How Do You See Garza’s Draft Stock?
With Luka Garza now the 2024 NCAA Player of the Year, the debate over his NBA draft position is heating up. Do you think he’ll leapfrog Victor Wembanyama, or will he settle as the No. 2 pick? Share your thoughts in the comments—or tag us on Twitter.
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