Christian Gurdak Happy with Hawkeye Offer

'25 D.C. Big Man Familiar with Iowa Since Luka Garza Era Tipped Off

Hoopers in Washington D.C. know of Iowa Basketball. Give Luka Garza a ton of credit for that. 

The Hawkeyes' all-time leading scorer and national college player of the year starred at Maret School in D.C. as a prep. He also helped Iowa rank among the nation's Top 25 during his final two seasons. 

Garza ran with Team Takeover on the AAU circuit. It's one of the country's top programs, and Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery has kept his eyes on it throughout the years. 

McCaffery offered a Class of 2025 prospect from Team Takeover last week. Christian Gurdak was familiar with the coach and his squad. 

"I've been watching Iowa for awhile," Gurdak told HN. "Obviously, Luka Garza is from this area. We know each other a little bit. We worked out together a few times. I've been watching Iowa ever since he was there, the coach and everything. It's a great program." 

Gurdak (6-10, 250) owns a similar game to Garza as a versatile big capable of scoring in multiple ways. He also sees himself as a two-way player. 

"I think I can bring a defensive presence and then, offensively, finish around the rim and then knock down some shots," he said. 

Penn State, Maryland, Iowa, Notre Dame and George Washington have reportedly offered Gurdak scholarships. 

"A strong coaching staff and a strong team is always the biggest thing when looking for a college. Then when you get on campus, you want to see a homey, college feel and fans that get into it," he said. 

He plans on visiting the Hawkeyes this summer. 

"I'll probably get a chance to go out there after Peach Jam, so early August or late July. I'm excited to meet the coaching staff in person, meet some of the guys and see what they say. Then check out the facilities. I'm pretty excited to get out there," Gurdak said. 

Academics also weigh heavily into his decision. 

"I want to be around sports no matter what, so something in sports management," he said of a college major. 

The Hawkeyes offered a scholarship to Gurdak's high school and AAU teammate, Nyk Lewis, as well last week. They've been friends for years and lean on each other during the recruiting process. 

"We've definitely talked about playing in college together," Gurdak said. "If it works out, it works out. But we're both going to go to the school that's the best fit for us." 

Prep Hoops ranked Gurdak as the No. 2 player overall in Virginia, where he played high school basketball last season. 

Class of 2025 Christian Gurdak EYBL highlights with Team Takeover! @ChristianGurdak @TTOBasketball pic.twitter.com/wox6GkBGNf

— Courtside Films (@CourtsideFilms) June 7, 2023