Luka Garza on Overcoming Doubters

Luka Garza has been one of the top basketball players in the country for the last couple of years. The 6-foot-10 post for the Iowa Hawkeyes was the national player of the year this past season and he became the first player since Michael Jordan to win back-to-back Sporting News Player of the year.

But it hasn't always been easy for Luka. Many people questioned whether he could be a high-major basketball player, and now people are questioning whether he can survive and thrive in the NBA. When asked how being an underdog has fueled him, Luka said, "People who criticize me give me a to-do list of stuff to work on. It’s positive for me. I’m used to it. It definitely helps and adds fuel to the fire."

He added, 

"It’s not new to me. I’ve had it every level and every step of the way. It’s always followed me in terms of people doubting my ability to translate to the next level, whether it’s been high school or going to college. In high school, they asked, is he a high-major D-I player? Is he a top-100 player in the country? I was No. 100. I’ve always had some doubt following my game. People just don’t believe in me or what I can do. I’ve always been able to prove those people wrong because I work very hard. That’s just my solution. It’s just to put my head down and work and try to help the team in the best way I can and the best way that I know. I’m always continuing to evolve and work on my game and find different ways that I can get better and help a team."

Having the right attitude and mindset is the first step to success and overcoming adversity. Read the full article here: Luka Garza