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Luka Garza used part of his offseason to give back to the community that helped turn him into a Boston Celtics center. Garza returned to Iowa to host the second Luka Garza Academy Skills camp of the summer in Indianola. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla also traveled to the Hawkeye State and surprised the young players attending the event. The camp included several hours of basketball instruction and a question-and-answer session with Garza, who became a college basketball star during his four seasons at Iowa. Garza explained why returning to the state remains important even after his basketball journey carried him to Boston. “It just means an incredible amount to me and my family,” Garza said. “I feel like my life changed when I came here, and I was able to get to my dreams and goals because of the University of Iowa and because of what I was able to learn here, because of the way I was able to develop here.” Luka Garza’s Journey Leads To Celtics Garza became one of the most accomplished players in Iowa history before beginning his NBA career. He averaged 24.1 points and 8.7 rebounds as a senior during the 2020-21 season and received several national player of the year honors. Iowa later retired his No. 55 jersey. Garza was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 52nd overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He later spent multiple seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves before joining the Celtics. His arrival in Boston gave the Celtics another skilled center capable of stretching the floor. Garza’s offensive game always has been his calling card, particularly his ability to score around the basket and connect from beyond the arc. He now has an opportunity to compete for a role on a reworked Boston roster entering the 2026-27 season. Mazzulla’s decision to attend the camp also represented a notable show of support. NBA coaches frequently use the offseason to strengthen relationships with their players, but traveling to Iowa for Garza’s event carried additional significance. It allowed Mazzulla to see firsthand the connection his center maintains with the community that helped launch his career. MORE: How Celtics Are Impacted By Surprising Cavaliers Trade News Garza Continues Giving Back To Iowa Garza credited Iowa’s coaches, fans and community for embracing him and pushing him toward his goals. “I think within that time here, the people here that supported me, that kind of put their arms around me and pushed me every single day,” Garza said. “I always feel like I owe something to them.” His academy allows him to repay some of that support by sharing his experience with the next generation of players. “For me, every summer is trying to come and give back a little bit because I know how much was given to me in my time here,” Garza said. Garza’s immediate basketball future now is in Boston. His offseason work, however, showed that becoming a Celtic has not weakened his bond with Iowa. Mazzulla’s surprise appearance helped connect both parts of that journey.