NCAA Basketball: Preseason Top-25 power rankings for 2020-21 season

The prospects of the Hawkeyes in 2021 starts and ends with Luka Garza. The defending Big Ten Player of the Year runner-up National Player of the Year last season averaged 23.9 ppg and 9.8 rpg and became one of the most efficient and dominant bigs in all of NCAA Basketball.

His decision to come back for his senior season automatically cemented Iowa in the top-10 in many polls. But as good as he is, the team has more to offer. After missing most of last season with an injury, Jordan Bohannon will be back and fully healthy. He adds experience and more depth on the perimeter, with C.J. Fredrick, Joe Toussaint, Joe Wieskamp, as well as Pat and Connor McCaffery.

"If Garza is able to play up to his production of last season, the ceiling for the Hawks could be a Final Four or even a national championship run. – Jack Bennett (@Jack_Bennett)"

Expect the Hawkeyes to use a three-guard lineup this season, which will be great offensively but more of a challenge defensively. That was one of the bigger weaknesses on the team in that they can score 80-90 points in a given game, but at times, could give up as much.

Another issue was the frontcourt depth outside of Garza, with Ryan Kriener gone. Jack Nunge will be back and healthy as well but may be better suited to backup Garza at center, rather than start at power forward. If the staff is comfortable with freshman Josh Ogundele getting minutes, the Hawkeyes will be in very good shape. As great as Garza is, relying on him too much could wear him out by March.