Iowa’s Luka Garza wins John R. Wooden Award

The sweep is complete, and Luka Garza is the consensus national men’s basketball Player of the Year.

Garza, the Iowa senior center from Washington, D.C., received the last major Player of the Year honor Tuesday when he was named the winner of the John R. Wooden Award.

He is the first Hawkeye to win the Wooden Award since its inception in 1976. It is presented by the Los Angeles Athletic Club. The voters are a panel representing all 50 states.

The other finalists were Illinois’ Ayo Dosunmu, Cade Cunningham of Oklahoma State, Jared Butler of Baylor and Gonzaga’s Corey Kispert.

“Winning the Wooden Award means so much to myself and my family,” said Garza. “John Wooden was someone my grandfather was friends with, and someone who I was taught a lot about growing up. I studied the Pyramid, and many of his books to try and become the teammate and player that could win a championship.

“I can’t thank Coach (Fran) McCaffery and his staff enough for their role in helping me develop on and off the floor. I have had amazing teammates along the way, and I would not be here without them. I want to thank my family for their undying support of me throughout my career.

“Lastly, thank you to the University of Iowa for changing my life. I am so proud to bring this award to the University of Iowa for the first time.”

Among the cluster of honors Garza had already received this offseason were the Naismith Trophy and Associated Press’ Player of the Year.

Garza ranked second nationally in scoring with 24.1 points per game for the 22-9 Hawkeyes. He averaged 30 points over his two NCAA tournament games after averaging 22.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in the Big Ten tourney. He shot 44 percent from 3-point range.

Garza auctioned off an NFT Tuesday, with part of the proceeds going to University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Among the components of the NFT were a lifetime pass to any basketball camp Garza holds, a private meditation session, and a game of HORSE against Garza.