Busting Brackets
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NBA Draft 2020: 10 biggest pending decisions that affects 2020-21 season

By Tristan Freeman

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: The first round draft board is seen during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: The first round draft board is seen during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 25: Luka Garza #55 of the Iowa Hawkeyes (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 25: Luka Garza #55 of the Iowa Hawkeyes (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

1. Luka Garza – Iowa Hawkeyes

The battle between Obi Toppin and Luka Garza defined the end of the regular season in the national Player of the Year Race. Both won awards, yet each was denied a chance for an epic March Madness. Now in the offseason, Toppin has entered the NBA Draft, where he’s a likely top-5 pick. But what about Garza?

After averaging 23.9 ppg and 9.8 rpg, the 2019-20 Big Ten Player of the Year has also entered the NBA Draft, though stating that he very well could return to Iowa for his senior season. It’s hard to see how the elite post scorer can raise his draft stock any higher after scoring 20+ points in the last 16 games of the season, including a career-high 38 points against Indiana.

The 6’11 center also extended his range a bit more, making 39 total three-pointers this past season. But he’s best in the post, where Garza has a variety of scoring moves to utilizing. But defense is a much bigger question, with his lack of foot quickness and athleticism making him at times an easy target. If he gives up as points as he scores would that be worth it for scouts to take a chance on him?

Next. Top 30 2020 NBA Draft prospects. dark

Right now, Garza would be a second-round draft pick, possibly not even getting drafted at all. But if he returns to Iowa for his senior season, the big man would not only be a favorite to win National Player of the Year Award, Garza would be on a preseason top-10 team for the Hawkeyes, along with being the favorite to win the Big Ten. That sounds more appealing than risking being undrafted but at the same time, his stock won’t be any higher than it is right now.

It’s a huge decision for Garza to make, one that has major implications for the 2020-21 NCAA Basketball season.

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