Former Iowa Hawkeyes standout Luka Garza faced the Michigan State Spartans multiple times during his four seasons, including three road matchups at the Breslin Center, where he shot just 28.6% from the field.
During his time at Iowa, Garza shot 54.6% overall but just 12-for-42 in East Lansing, Michigan. At home against Michigan State, he went 21-for-40 from the field. It would be fair to attribute those splits to Michigan State’s defensive intensity at home, but Garza believes the rim itself played a role.
Now an NBA player for the Boston Celtics and a former Naismith Award winner in the 2020- 21 college basketball season, Garza thinks he knows the reason behind those subpar numbers.
Appearing on the “White Noise Podcast,” hosted by Celtics teammate Derrick White, Garza proposed what he described as a “conspiracy theory” about Michigan State’s home-court setup.
According to Garza, the Spartans use a tight rim on the side their opponents shoot at in the second half, making scoring significantly more difficult during late-game situations, prompting Michigan State to come back and win more often than not.
“I think Michigan State purposely puts the basket that they’re going to shoot on in the first half on that side on purpose,” Garza said. “Because the rim, you have to swish it or it doesn’t go in. I think they do it to themselves so they’re down in the first half, and then they come back in the second half.”
Garza called it “the worst rim in college basketball,” noting that opponents often struggle after halftime. The big man said the Spartans always start the game shooting on that rim before switching to the more favorable one.
“It’s the worst rim in college basketball,” Garza said. “They only shoot on it in the first half. So the other team comes in the second half and can’t buy a bucket, and [the Spartans] always come back and win.”
Luka Garza thinks Michigan State intentionally gives the road team the worst rim in the second half 👀
“This is my conspiracy theory… it’s the worst rim in college basketball. The other team comes in the second half and can’t buy a bucket.” pic.twitter.com/mF8N3bCKwW
— White Noise Podcast w/Derrick White (@whitenoisepod_) February 3, 2026
Michigan State has not responded to Garza’s comments, but the clip shared on X quickly gained traction on social media, reaching nearly 6,000 likes on the platform.
The Spartans are ranked in the top 10 nationally and have had multiple home games this season featuring significant second-half turnarounds.
Against the Arkansas Razorbacks, Michigan State overcame a three-point halftime deficit to win 69–66. In a recent loss to the Michigan Wolverines, the Spartans posted just 26 first-half points before scoring 45 after the break. The Wolverines were steadier; they scored 42 points in the first half and 41 in the second half.
Garza emphasized that his theory was not based on insider knowledge, but personal observation and experience.
“Every time we go there, it’s the same story,” Garza said. “This is my conspiracy theory.”
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.