IOWA CITY – University of Iowa head men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery announced today that Luka Garza and Jack Nunge have signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Iowa.
Luka Garza
6-foot-11, 240 pounds
Washington, D.C. (Maret School)
“I am very excited to be a part of the Iowa basketball program. I was able to see the tight-knit family environment Coach McCaffery has created on every visit. I look forward to continuing to build my relationships with the coaches and players! I am grateful for the opportunity at Iowa and I will make the most of it.”
· Two-time first team All-DC, all-conference and second team Washington Post All-Met
· Scored more than 1,000 points and grabbed over 600 rebounds his first three years at Maret HS
· Averaged 25.5 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks as a junior
· Averaged 19.8 points and 9.8 rebounds his sophomore campaign
· Helped his team earn back-to-back conference championships (22-8 in 2014 and 22-5 in 2015)
· Recognized as the 2014-15 Washington Post All-Met Most Improved Player
· Competed in the EYBL in 2016, averaging 11.3 points (54% FG, 36% 3-pt FG), 6.5 rebounds
· Viola player in the school band
FRAN McCAFFERY ON GARZA:
“The thing that has impressed me about Luka is how he continues to work, how he changed his body, and how that changed his game. I’ve always loved what he brings to the table, and that is a post player who can stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting. He is a skilled, strong and physical post player. His athletic ability changed when he got thinner, and by virtue of that you are seeing someone who has become a dominate player on the floor. Very few people at that size have the low-post game and perimeter shooting ability that he has.”
Jack Nunge
6-foot-11, 220 pounds
Newburgh, Indiana (Castle HS)
“There is something special about the entire coaching staff and the goals they have in mind for the team. Having family from Iowa and being formerly from the Iowa City area, I have a tremendous excitement to attend the University of Iowa. Iowa has always been my favorite team since I became serious about basketball and playing at the highest level. I have dreamed of playing in the Big Ten, the most competitive conference in the country. Now my dream is coming true! Go Hawkeyes!”
· Earned first-team All-SIAC, IBCA Supreme 15 Underclassmen, and Indiana All Star-Core 6 honors following his junior campaign
· Averaged 19.3 (FG%: 57%, 3-pt FG%: 43%, FT%: 81%), 11.4 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game his junior season at Castle High School
· Named team Most Valuable Player in 2016
· Posted a team-best 18 double-doubles as a junior
· Two-time team captain
· Tallied 35 points and 25 rebounds against Bosse High School, and 35 points and 22 rebounds versus Harrison High School his junior season
· Also excels in the classroom, boasting a 3.97 grade point average, ranks 20th in his class, and earned the Scholastic “C” Award
· National Honor Society and Student Council member
· Played with the Pocket City AAU basketball team
FRAN McCAFFERY ON NUNGE:
“There are a number of things that jump out at you when you first watch Jack play. Not only is he an incredible perimeter shooter for someone that big, but he affects the game a number of ways. He can rebound, block shots, run, handle the basketball, and make plays for himself or his teammates. I believe he’s going to have a great impact in our program for a long time.”
