NCAA Basketball: Obi Toppin leads in national POY power rankings
By Brian Rauf
player. 483. . . Previous: 3rd. Luka Garza. 2
Stats: 23.2 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 1.7 bpg
Luka Garza also put up a relatively below-average outing for him this week in Iowa’s blowout loss at Purdue. The junior did score 26 points, but he only had one rebound and had virtually no impact as the Hawkeyes lost by 36.
That said, Garza rises one spot because of the way he played against Illinois last Sunday. He had 25 points and 10 rebounds, including the game-clinching three that felt like one of those “Heisman moments” that help make a player’s NPOY candidacy.
Garza will have a chance to redeem himself on a big stage this week, too. After facing Nebraska over the weekend, the Hawkeyes will take on Indiana at Assembly Hall.
The 6-11, 245-pounder has the numbers worthy of winning this award – he has scored over 20 points in eight straight games and has 12 double-doubles. He is also carrying an Iowa team to a top 20 ranking. If he can keep this up and add another “Heisman moment” or two down the stretch, Garza may very well win this award.