Luka Garza Returns to the International Stage as Bosnia and Herzegovina Prepare for Crucial 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers
Former Iowa basketball superstar and current Boston Celtics center Luka Garza is back on the international stage, and the stakes couldn’t be much higher.
The 27-year-old big man is set to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina in the opening round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers, giving fans another opportunity to watch one of college basketball’s most decorated players compete for his national team.
Garza’s return comes after the strongest NBA campaign of his professional career, making him one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most important players heading into a pair of challenging Group C matchups that could shape the country’s path toward the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Face Two Major Tests
Bosnia and Herzegovina begin their qualifying window against Türkiye on Thursday, July 2, with tip-off scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Central Time. The game will be played inside Arena “Husejin Smajlovic” in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Just a few days later, Garza and his teammates will travel to Belgrade for another huge showdown. Bosnia and Herzegovina will take on Serbia on Monday, July 6, at 1:00 p.m. CT inside the historic Aleksandar Nikolic Hall.
These two contests are part of the first round of Group C qualifying, where every victory carries enormous importance. Bosnia and Herzegovina currently hold a 2-2 record in the group, meaning both upcoming games could significantly influence their chances of advancing further in the qualification process.
Fans wanting to watch Garza in action can stream both games through Courtside 1891 via DAZN.
Garza Arrives in Top Form After Career-Best NBA Season
Garza heads into international competition with plenty of confidence after producing the best NBA numbers of his career with the Boston Celtics.
The 6-foot-10 center emerged as an efficient offensive contributor during the season, averaging:
- 8.1 points per game
- 4.1 rebounds per game
- 57.7% shooting from the field
- 43.3% shooting from three-point range
Those numbers highlight just how much Garza’s game has evolved. Long known for his polished footwork and scoring ability around the basket, he has continued expanding his offensive arsenal by becoming a reliable perimeter shooter.
His combination of size, touch around the rim and outside shooting makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses, qualities Bosnia and Herzegovina will rely on against talented teams like Türkiye and Serbia.
From Iowa Legend to International Leader
Long before reaching the NBA, Garza built one of the greatest careers in Iowa basketball history.
During his unforgettable final season with the Hawkeyes in 2020-21, Garza dominated opponents almost every night.
He averaged:
- 24.1 points per game
- 8.7 rebounds per game
- 1.6 blocks per game
- 55.3% shooting from the field
- 44% shooting from three-point range
Those remarkable performances earned him the prestigious 2021 Naismith Trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s top men’s college basketball player.
Garza’s ability to score from virtually anywhere on the floor transformed Iowa into one of the country’s most dangerous offensive teams. Whether backing defenders down in the paint, knocking down mid-range jumpers or stretching defenses with his three-point shooting, he consistently found ways to dominate games.
His impact extended beyond statistics. Garza became the face of Iowa basketball, helping elevate the program nationally while inspiring countless Hawkeye fans with his relentless work ethic and passion for the game.
A Huge Opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Now, Garza carries that same competitive spirit onto the international stage.
Bosnia and Herzegovina know they’ll need strong performances from their NBA center if they hope to improve upon their current 2-2 record in Group C.
The matchup against Türkiye presents a difficult challenge at home, while traveling to Serbia for the second game could prove even tougher given Serbia’s reputation as one of Europe’s basketball powerhouses.
Still, Garza’s experience playing at the highest level of basketball gives Bosnia and Herzegovina a proven leader capable of making a difference on both ends of the floor.
His improved shooting efficiency, increased confidence and growing NBA experience could provide exactly the boost his national team needs during this important qualification window.
Celtics Fans Will Be Watching Closely
Garza’s international appearances also provide Boston Celtics supporters with another opportunity to monitor his continued development.
Players often return from FIBA competition with greater confidence and valuable experience gained from facing elite international opponents. Those experiences can translate into stronger performances during the NBA season.
For Garza, every game represents another chance to showcase the growth that has made him one of the NBA’s most efficient reserve centers.
His impressive shooting percentages during the past NBA season demonstrated that his offensive game continues to improve, and Bosnia and Herzegovina will hope that momentum carries into World Cup qualifying.
An Important Week Ahead
The upcoming week could become one of the most significant stretches of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s qualifying campaign.
With two critical Group C games on the schedule, every possession will matter as teams battle for valuable points in the race toward the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Garza enters the competition playing arguably the best basketball of his professional career. His scoring ability, rebounding presence and efficient shooting make him one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s biggest weapons heading into clashes with Türkiye and Serbia.
Basketball fans who followed his legendary Iowa career know exactly what Garza is capable of when the spotlight shines brightest.
Now wearing the colors of Bosnia and Herzegovina once again, he’ll look to help his country take another step toward qualifying for one of international basketball’s biggest tournaments while continuing the impressive rise that has defined his journey from college superstar to NBA contributor.
