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Luke Garza

Is Luke Garza A Lock For Naismith, Wooden Awards?

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  • The #4 Iowa Hawkeyes are one of the best teams in the country this year, largely due to senior forward
  • Luka Garza, who is a -1000 betting odds favorite to win the Wooden and Naismith Awards.
  • Garza’s Hawkeyes take on the Indiana Hoosiers Thursday night, where they are a 10-point favorite.

IOWA CITY, Iowa – With over a month to go until the NCAA Tournament, College Basketball’s best player could very well already be decided.

Iowa Hawkeye senior forward Luka Garza is the heavy favorite to win both the John R. Wooden Award and the Naismith College Player of the Year award, given annually to the best player in college basketball.

The 6’ 11”, 265 lbs center is absolutely dominating the game currently, averaging 26.9 points per game, 8.7 rebounds per game, while shooting 62.5% from the field.

It is no surprise that Garza is the heavy favorite to win both awards on odds currently available via the major online sportsbooks.

Odds To Win 2021 NCAA Men's John R. Wooden Award

  • Luka Garza -1000
  • Jared Butler +425
  • Corey Kispert +1200
  • Ayo Dosunmu +2500

The odds are nearly identical for the Naismith Award, which is essentially the same thing as the Wooden Award. The Wooden Award is handed out by the Los Angeles Athletic Club, while the Naismith Award is given by the Atlanta Tipoff Club.

In the past, many players have won both during the same season.

Odds To Win 2021 NCAA Men's Naismith College Player Of The Year

  • Luka Garza -1000
  • Jared Butler +425
  • Corey Kispert +1200
  • Ayo Dosunmu +2500
  • Jalen Suggs +3500

Last year as a junior, Garza was named a consensus All-American and won the Big Ten Player of the Year award. Now, in 2021, it appears that Garza has elevated his game to a new level, including a 36 point half back in November.

While these awards are surely Garza’s to lose, the results will likely hinge on the performance of his Iowa Hawkeyes team coming down the stretch.

Currently, Iowa is ranked #4 in the AP Poll. Those looking to bet on college basketball can find the Hawkeyes in action against the Indiana Hoosiers on Thursday night.

College Basketball Odds

  • Indiana +375
  • Iowa -550
  • Spread: Iowa -10.0
  • Over/Under: 150.5

If Garza continues to play the way he has, this Iowa team could do some major damage once March Madness rolls around. Additionally, Garza could be working his way into a high pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.