IOWA CITY, Iowa – For the second consecutive season, University of Iowa All-American Luka Garza is one of 10 semifinalists for the Naismith Trophy, which is presented annually to the most outstanding player who achieves tremendous on-court success. The announcement was made on Thursday by the Atlanta Tipoff Club.

Garza (6-foot-11, 265 pounds) has led the fifth-ranked Hawkeyes to 18 victories this season, including wins in five of their last six. He leads the nation in total points (607); player efficiency rating (36.66); 30-point games (7); field goals made (226); and 22-point games (17). Garza is eighth nationally in free throw makes (120) and 14th in double-doubles (11).

The native of Washington, D.C., broke the school’s 32-year old record held by Roy Marble on Feb. 21, 2021. His 2,166 points rank 15th best in Big Ten history. In addition to ranking first in career scoring, Garza is first at Iowa in conference scoring (1,366), total field goals made (815), field goal attempts (1,496), and 40-point games (2); second in 30-point games (12); fourth in double-doubles (32); fifth in rebounding (871); sixth in blocked shots (141); eighth in free throw makes (425); and 14th in 3-pointers made (111).

He is the only men’s basketball player in Big Ten history to accumulate 2,000 points, 850 rebounds, 125 blocked shots, and 100 3-pointers and he is the only player from a major conference with those numbers dating back to the 1992-93 season. Garza is the only Hawkeye in school history to amass four 400-point seasons and two 600-point seasons.

No. 5 Iowa (18-7, 12-6) will host Nebraska (7-17, 3-14) tonight in Iowa City. The game will be televised nationally on the Big Ten Network.

2021 Naismith Trophy Player of the Year Semifinalists

Jared Butler, Butler
Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State
Hunter Dickinson, Michigan
Ayo Dosunmu, Illinois
Luka Garza, IOWA
Quentin Grimes. Houston
Herbert Jones, Alabama
Corey Kispert, Gonzaga
Evan Mobley, USC
Drew Timme, Gonzaga

By The Associated Press – The St. Louis Cardinals say they’ve received approval from the city to fill Busch Stadium at 32% capacity starting with their April 8 home against the Milwaukee Brewers. That could mean 14,500 fans at Busch Stadium, which has a capacity of 45,538.

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Kwang Hyun Kim, right, waits on the mound to be removed by manager Mike Shildt (8) as catcher Andrew Knizner watches during the first inning of a spring training baseball game Wednesday, March 3, 2021, in Jupiter, Fla. Kim returned to pitch again in the spring training game in the second inning only to be removed again before the end of that inning. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

City health director Dr. Fredrick Echols says new COVID-19 infections have been declining and the positivity rate in St. Louis dipped below 5% for the first time since mid-September.
“The Cardinals organization has worked diligently to ensure they are able to create and maintain a safe environment for staff and fans. Wearing a face covering, social distancing, cleaning, and other infectious disease control measures they have in place for the stadium should keep us moving in the right direction,” Echols said in a news release.

Season ticket holders will get the first crack at tickets for the first two homestands, then the general public if tickets remain. The Cardinals said fans will be seated in pods of four or fewer with at least 6 feet of space between pods. Masks will be required except when eating or drinking.

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa football program has announced the launch of the Hawkeye Legacy mobile app, an exclusive social network where former players and current football student-athletes are empowered to establish meaningful connections beyond football. The mobile app was developed in partnership with NextPlay, a software platform for college and professional sports teams to build branded engagement networks.

“As a proud Legacy Hawk, I am thrilled that Iowa football has made this investment in its current and former players,” said Broderick Binns, executive director of Diversity, Equity& Inclusion for Iowa athletics. “Empowering former athletes to engage with each other and connect with Iowa football will pay off for UI athletics in the long run.”

The Hawkeye Legacy app provides a space for alumni to engage with Iowa football in a new, personal way. Legacy Hawks can view private content directly from coaches and staff, form groups with former teammates around the country, and build a powerful social network of professionals in various fields.

“Our desire is to foster an environment where our student-athletes have a great football experience, but we also want them to earn their degree and grow into their professional life,” said Ben Hansen, assistant director, football operations. “The Hawkeye Legacy app provides an exceptional platform for networking and mentorship.”

Since 2015, Iowa football has conducted several networking events, immersing current Hawkeyes with Legacy Hawks to provide professional insight, interview experience and tips on leveraging relationships post football. The Hawkeye Legacy app broadens the conversation from a one night event to a constant contact.

“Through the networking events that Hawkeye football orchestrated, I made some great connections with former players, who are extremely successful in their careers,” said Austin Schulte, a Hawkeye defensive lineman from 2016-20. “Through a conversation I had with a former player, he asked a series of questions that helped me start my job search. Within months, I was blessed to have a few interviews with some great companies and landed a job with Baker Group.

“The Hawkeye Legacy app is a great tool that I hope each and every player uses to connect with former Hawkeyes. It’s never too early to start making connections and preparing for life after football.”

Career exploration and job placement is a monumental focus of the Iowa football program. NextPlay’s Hawkeye Legacy app provides customized career development content and an employment marketplace.

“More than 300 Legacy Hawks signed up for the platform in the first month, demonstrating a clear desire for deeper engagement with the Iowa football program,” said Kyle Mumma, CEO of NextPlay. “(Iowa head) coach (Kirk) Ferentz has built a strong program over multiple decades and we are excited to keep the Hawkeye community connected for years to come.”

ABOUT NEXTPLAY: NextPlay is dedicated to empowering athletes by giving them the tools and connections they need to succeed in life after sports. Based in Denver, Colorado, and founded in 2018, NextPlay provides career development software and workshops specifically tailored to the needs of each partner organization. Visit www.nextplay.me or contact info@nextplay.me for more information.