SW Iowa Times

One former University of Iowa basketball player and one current player have been nominated for the Amateur Athletic Union's James E. Sullivan award.

Former player Luka Garza and current Hawkeye women’s point guard Caitlin Clark made the list of 38 finalists for the award, which will be presented Oct. 22, AAU said in a news release.

"There is only one national award that puts the best in sports, male and female, head-to-head for the title of 'top athlete,' the AAU James E. Sullivan Award," the organization said.

Previous winners include Olympians Michelle Kwan,  Michael Phelps and Peyton Manning.

There were co-winners last year, Sabrina Ionescu of the University of Oregon and Spencer Lee, a wrestler at the University of Iowa.

The Sullivan award dates back to 1930 and recognizes the contributions and achievements of athletes across  the country.

"These exceptional athletes truly embody the spirit of the AAU James E. Sullivan Award,” Jennings “Rusty” Buchanan, AAU president and CEO, said in the statement. “They are not only top performers in their sport, but also display qualities of leadership, good character and sportsmanship both on and off the field.”

Garza averaged 24.1 points and  8.7 rebounds per game last year, the Daily Iowan reported. He has the University of Iowa record for single season and career scoring, the story said.

Clark was the top player in the nation last season in several categories including total assists, total points and 3-pointers, the Daily Iowan reported.