Luka Garza’s inner game is turning him into a Hawkeye legend

Every conversation I’ve had about Iowa basketball this year sooner or later pivots to appreciation or even marvel at the tireless energy, zeal and passion Luka Garza brings to the game.

Throw in the story of the 9-pound cyst in his belly that required hours of surgery to remove, nearly jeopardizing his sophomore season and potentially risking his life, then add this spectacular season in which he skyrocketed to national attention and became the Big Ten Player of the Year, a first-team All-American and multiple National Player of the Year awards — suddenly we are talking the stuff of Iowa legend.

And yet, there is another reason to lean in and pay attention. Perhaps the most admirable characteristic of Garza's approach is one that is available to all of us, at any stage in life. It’s what his father Frank calls the “inner game,” which has particular relevance during these days of disruption, uncertainty and fear.