Iowa Center Luka Garza Recovers After Having Cyst Removed

Iowa sophomore center Luka Garza returned to campus this past summer with the goal of becoming one of the best centers in the Big Ten. He began his offseason workouts but noticed a problem. After his practices, Garza was in pain. A lot of pain. It got worse, to the point that standing upright was an issue.

After tests and a CAT scan, doctors discovered that Garza had a large cyst attached to his spleen. Just how large? Nine pounds large. Fortunately, the cyst was benign and Garza has surgery in early September to remove it. Doctors say that the cyst could have burst during contact in practice or a game, and that could have also ruptured his spleen putting Garza's life in danger.

Garza has yet to return to full practices for Iowa, but he hopes to be ready for Iowa's season opener on November 8th. The Hawkeyes will need him to anchor their offense and defense. Garza averaged 12 points and 6 rebounds as a freshman and led the team in blocks. He was named Big Ten freshman of the week twice.

[via KCRG]