Regardless of what Luka Garza’s final decision is, Iowa’s basketball team is going to be in the mix for a B1G regular season title during the 2020-21 campaign. But if the reigning B1G Player of the Year returns, the Hawkeyes will be the “undeniable favorite” in the conference, according to one college basketball expert.

CBS Sports’ basketball expert Gary Parrish wrote that Garza’s decision will have a huge impact on Iowa. If he decides to withdraw from the NBA Draft, the Hawkeyes immediately jump to the front of the league and have a great opportunity to reach the Final Four.

“Iowa is awesome as long as Luka Garza withdraws from the NBA Draft,” Parrish said. “I talked to him late last month and he acknowledged that he knows what he would be walking away from if he decided to walk away from Iowa under these circumstances. What that is, is a chance to go to a Final Four and be the National Player of the Year. I suspect he will withdraw from the draft, be back at Iowa and the Hawkeyes are undeniably the favorites in the B1G.”

Garza nearly averaged a double-double for the Hawkeyes a year ago, posting 23.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per contest. He was one of the toughest post players in college basketball to defend and was often the best player on the floor.

Iowa ended last season with a 20-11 record and an 11-9 mark in B1G play. Garza will have until Aug. 17 to make a final decision.