Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Pedro Salcas
Luka Garza is a Bosnian-American professional basketball player who plays for the Boston Celtics in the NBA. Born on December 27, 1998, in Washington, D.C., Garza is known for his scoring ability, determination, and remarkable college basketball career at the University of Iowa. After being selected by the Detroit Pistons in the 2021 NBA Draft, he also played for the Minnesota Timberwolves before joining Boston in 2025. Beyond basketball, Garza comes from a family with an extraordinary sporting background that includes professional basketball players and an accomplished European football goalkeeper.
Luka Garza’s family includes his father, Frank Garza, his mother, Šejla Muftić Garza, and his sister, Tesa Garza. Both parents played competitive basketball, while several members of his extended family also pursued professional sporting careers. Regarding his romantic life, Garza was publicly dating Victoria Vidi in 2024, although their current relationship status has not been independently confirmed. There is no reliable public information indicating that he is married or has children.
Luka Garza’s Girlfriend: Who Is Victoria Vidi?
Luka Garza has been publicly linked to Victoria Vidi, an American legal professional who attracted media attention through her relationship with the Boston Celtics center.
According to reporting published by EssentiallySports and Bosnian news outlet Klix.ba, Garza and Vidi began dating around 2023, during his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Before becoming publicly associated with Garza, Victoria pursued higher education in law and developed a professional career involving legal research, contracts, and business matters.
Her educational background includes studies at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and the University of Florida Fredric G. Levin College of Law.
She has also held professional positions involving legal analysis and contract management.
Although Victoria has occasionally appeared alongside Garza at public events, she generally maintains a more private profile than her professional basketball partner.
How Did Luka Garza and Victoria Vidi Meet?
Luka Garza and Victoria Vidi reportedly began their relationship in 2023, after the basketball player ended a previous relationship.
However, the exact circumstances of their first meeting have not been independently established through reliable interviews.
At the time, Garza was playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves and continuing to develop his professional basketball career.
The couple subsequently appeared together in social media photographs and at team-related activities.
One of their most widely reported public appearances occurred in October 2024.
On October 31, 2024, Klix.ba reported that Garza and Victoria attended a Halloween celebration organized by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The couple dressed as Danny and Sandy, characters from the musical film “Grease.”
Their coordinated costumes attracted attention from basketball fans and social media followers.
The appearance provided public confirmation of their relationship at that time.
Is Luka Garza Still Dating Victoria Vidi?
As of now, Luka Garza’s current relationship status has not been independently confirmed.
Victoria Vidi was publicly identified as his girlfriend in October 2024, but recent reliable reporting has not clearly established whether they remain together in October 2026.
Garza generally prefers discussing basketball and family influences rather than providing extensive details about his romantic relationships.
There is also no verified announcement that he and Victoria have married or become engaged.
Consequently, Victoria Vidi is best described as his previously documented girlfriend rather than his confirmed current wife or fiancée.
Who Was Luka Garza’s Previous Girlfriend?
Before his relationship with Victoria Vidi, Luka Garza was publicly linked to Maggie Mynderse.
The relationship became known during his college basketball career at the University of Iowa.
Maggie occasionally appeared in photographs shared by the basketball player and attended sporting events during their relationship.
Several basketball biographical publications reported that the couple began dating around 2020.
However, their relationship subsequently ended, and Garza was later publicly associated with Victoria Vidi.
Additional verified details about Maggie’s current personal life are not widely available.
Luka Garza’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
There is currently no publicly verified information confirming that Luka Garza has children.
Neither his official NBA biography nor established reporting about his family identifies any sons or daughters.
Garza was born in December 1998 and is 27 years old as of October 2026.
He has spent much of his adult life pursuing basketball, beginning with his successful college career at Iowa and continuing through professional opportunities with Detroit, Minnesota, and Boston.
Although his relationships have occasionally attracted public attention, he has not made a verified announcement about becoming a father.
There have also been no reliable reports confirming that he and Victoria Vidi welcomed a child together.
As of now, there is no confirmed information indicating that Luka Garza has any children.
Luka Garza’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Luka Garza was born to Frank Garza and Šejla Muftić Garza, two former basketball players who helped create a sporting environment during his childhood.
His father is American and played college basketball at the University of Idaho, while his mother comes from Bosnia and Herzegovina and played basketball professionally in Europe.
Because both parents understood the demands of competitive athletics, Garza received considerable guidance throughout his development.
He grew up in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and attended Maret School, where he became one of the region’s leading high school basketball prospects.
His parents encouraged him to pursue basketball seriously while emphasizing education, discipline, and continuous improvement.
Luka Garza’s Father: Frank Garza
Luka Garza’s father is Frank Garza, a former American college basketball player who competed at the University of Idaho.
Frank played as a forward during his collegiate career and developed a strong understanding of basketball fundamentals and strategy.
After his playing career, he became closely involved in developing his son’s abilities.
According to a detailed profile published by The Washington Post in December 2020, Frank recognized early that Luka possessed considerable height but needed to improve his conditioning and technical skills.
Rather than relying exclusively on his son’s physical advantages, Frank emphasized footwork, shooting, positioning, and developing a complete offensive game.
He also encouraged Luka to study some of the greatest basketball players in NBA history.
During childhood, Luka watched recordings of legendary players such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Larry Bird.
The videos helped him understand post moves, shooting techniques, and the importance of offensive versatility.
These lessons became particularly important as he developed into a high school basketball prospect.
Frank Garza’s Role in Luka’s Basketball Training
Frank Garza played an unusually direct role in his son’s basketball development.
He regularly organized demanding training sessions designed to improve Luka’s physical conditioning and technical abilities.
During Luka’s high school years, Frank arranged specialized offseason workouts and encouraged him to compete against more experienced players.
One significant period occurred after Luka’s freshman season at Maret School.
Father and son traveled to Hawaii to work with Bill Trumbo, Frank’s former college basketball coach.
The training program included multiple daily sessions focused on fitness, shooting, footwork, and improving Luka’s movement around the basketball court.
According to The Washington Post, the experience became the foundation of an intensive summer training routine that continued for several years.
Frank also organized workouts in which Luka practiced offensive movements repeatedly until they became more natural.
During another offseason, the pair trained at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware.
Some workouts involved running through sand, building endurance, and practicing basketball skills under demanding physical conditions.
The training eventually helped Luka overcome doubts about his athleticism.
Although some scouts questioned whether he was sufficiently mobile to succeed at the highest level, his father believed that exceptional fundamentals and determination could compensate for physical limitations.
Those qualities became central to Garza’s success at the University of Iowa.
Luka Garza’s Relationship With His Father
Luka Garza has repeatedly described his father as one of the most influential people in his life.
In August 2020, he published a personal letter through the University of Iowa Athletics website discussing his decision to return for his final college basketball season.
In the letter, Garza expressed appreciation for the support provided by his parents and sister.
He described Frank as his closest friend, teacher, and basketball coach.
The message demonstrated how their relationship extended beyond athletic training.
Frank also maintained a strong presence during Luka’s college career.
According to The Washington Post, he attended nearly every Iowa basketball game during his son’s first three seasons, missing only one because of severe winter weather.
He continued supporting Luka after his transition into professional basketball.
When Garza joined the Boston Celtics in July 2025, Frank publicly expressed excitement about the opportunity.
In interviews published by CelticsBlog, he discussed Boston’s player-development environment and his son’s dedication to becoming a more complete NBA player.
He also continued helping Luka with offseason training.
In 2026, reports about Garza’s preparation for another season with Boston highlighted his work with his father and Celtics assistant coaches to improve his defensive abilities.
Their relationship remains one of the most distinctive aspects of the basketball player’s family background.
Luka Garza’s Mother: Šejla Muftić Garza
Luka Garza’s mother is Šejla Muftić Garza, also written as Sejla Garza, a former professional basketball player from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Šejla comes from a family with a remarkable history in competitive sports.
She played basketball professionally in Europe and was associated with Yugoslav national basketball competition before establishing her family in the United States.
Her experience provided Luka with another important connection to high-level basketball.
Growing up, Garza learned from both parents, combining his father’s approach to individual training with his mother’s understanding of European basketball.
Šejla also helped preserve the family’s connection to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During Luka’s childhood, the family regularly visited Bosnia, allowing him to spend time with relatives and learn about his maternal heritage.
These experiences became especially important because several relatives were involved in professional basketball.
In an October 2020 interview with Voice of America, Garza discussed how his mother helped him develop his abilities.
He explained that her background as a basketball player gave her valuable experience and allowed her to offer advice during his development.
He also expressed appreciation for the influence of his extended family in Bosnia.
Šejla Garza’s Influence on Her Son
Šejla has remained one of the most important people in Luka’s life.
Beyond her basketball background, she has supported him emotionally throughout his development.
In his August 2020 letter to Iowa supporters, Garza praised his mother for her strength and determination.
He explained that her example motivated him to work hard and pursue his goals.
Her influence extended beyond basketball training, helping him develop a strong connection to family traditions and his Bosnian heritage.
Garza has frequently discussed how important it is for him to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina in international basketball.
That ambition reflects his relationship with his mother and maternal relatives.
In 2025, Garza wrote an emotional letter appealing to FIBA regarding his eligibility to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina without naturalized-player restrictions.
In the letter, he explained that his maternal family connections were an important part of his identity.
He also discussed the legacy of his maternal grandfather, Refik Muftić, who had been a respected professional football goalkeeper.
Through these experiences, Šejla helped connect her son’s basketball career with a family sporting tradition spanning the United States and Europe.
Luka Garza’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Luka Garza has one publicly identified sibling, his sister Tesa Garza.
Both the NBA and University of Iowa Athletics confirm that he is the son of Frank and Sejla Garza and has one sister named Tesa.
Unlike Luka, who became a professional basketball player, Tesa has generally maintained a private public profile.
Tesa Garza: Luka Garza’s Sister
Tesa Garza is the sister of Boston Celtics center Luka Garza.
She grew up in a family where basketball was an important part of everyday life.
Both of their parents had competitive playing experience, and several relatives participated in professional athletics.
This environment exposed the siblings to basketball, international sports, and competitive training from an early age.
Although Tesa has not attracted the same national media attention as her brother, her importance within the family has been publicly acknowledged.
In August 2020, Luka included a personal tribute to Tesa in his letter to University of Iowa basketball supporters.
He described his sister as a passionate and caring person who remains committed to the people she loves.
His comments provided insight into their close sibling relationship and the importance of family support during his college basketball career.
Tesa has occasionally been mentioned in family biographies and reporting about Luka’s sporting achievements.
However, reliable information about her education, professional activities, and personal relationships remains limited.
Some unofficial biographies have associated her with participation in sports, but details about a college athletic career have not been independently verified through authoritative university records.
There is also no reliable information indicating that Tesa pursued professional basketball.
As of now, she remains Luka Garza’s only sibling identified in his official NBA and Iowa basketball biographies.
Luka Garza’s Extended Family: A Remarkable Sporting Legacy
One of the most interesting aspects of Luka Garza’s family is the number of relatives who have competed in professional or collegiate sports.
His family includes basketball players from multiple generations, as well as a highly regarded former football goalkeeper.
These connections helped expose him to high-level athletic competition before he began his own professional career.
James Halm: Luka Garza’s Grandfather
James Halm is Luka Garza’s paternal grandfather and a former college basketball player.
He represented the University of Hawaii during his collegiate career.
His participation in college basketball established an athletic connection that continued through his family.
Garza has mentioned his grandfather when discussing the sporting background that helped shape his childhood.
James Halm is also identified in official NBA and University of Iowa player biographies.
Refik Muftić: Luka Garza’s Maternal Grandfather
Luka Garza’s maternal grandfather was Refik Muftić, a former professional football goalkeeper from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Muftić played for FK Sarajevo and developed a reputation as an accomplished goalkeeper in Yugoslav football.
Unlike the basketball players in the Garza family, he established his sporting career in association football.
Nevertheless, his professional achievements provided another important example of athletic dedication.
Garza has spoken with considerable admiration about his grandfather, particularly his character and actions during difficult periods in Bosnia’s history.
In his 2025 letter regarding international basketball eligibility, Garza discussed how Muftić helped members of his community during the Bosnian War.
He described his grandfather as someone whose compassion and strength were equally important as his sporting achievements.
Muftić’s legacy has remained central to Garza’s sense of connection with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Teoman Alibegović: Luka Garza’s Uncle
Teoman Alibegović, commonly known as Teo Alibegović, is Luka Garza’s uncle through marriage.
He is married to Lejla Muftić, the sister of Luka’s mother, Šejla.
Alibegović enjoyed an accomplished professional basketball career in Europe and represented Slovenia internationally.
Before his professional career, he attended Oregon State University, where he played college basketball.
During his international career, he became Slovenia’s all-time leading men’s national basketball team scorer.
His experience made him an important influence on Luka’s development.
Garza has explained that he spent considerable time training with his uncle and cousins during summer visits to Bosnia.
These sessions allowed him to learn from relatives with firsthand experience competing at professional levels.
Amar, Mirza and Denis Alibegović: Luka Garza’s Cousins
Luka Garza is also related to professional basketball players Amar, Mirza, and Denis Alibegović.
They are members of the same extended family through his mother’s sister, Lejla Muftić, and her husband, Teoman Alibegović.
Amar Alibegović played college basketball at St. John’s University before pursuing a professional career in Europe.
Mirza and Denis also became involved in professional European basketball.
The cousins spent time together during family visits, sharing basketball knowledge and participating in training activities.
In his October 2020 Voice of America interview, Garza specifically discussed how his uncle and cousins helped him improve.
He explained that summer workouts with his relatives played an important role in his development.
Those experiences strengthened both his basketball abilities and his connection to his Bosnian family.
Luka Garza’s Bosnian Heritage and Family Background
Although Luka Garza was born in the United States, his Bosnian heritage has remained an important part of his identity.
His mother, Šejla Muftić, comes from Bosnia and Herzegovina, where several members of her family pursued professional sporting careers.
Garza grew up maintaining connections with relatives in Bosnia through family visits and basketball activities.
He has expressed pride in his American upbringing while also emphasizing his emotional connection to his mother’s homeland.
During his college basketball career, he publicly expressed interest in representing Bosnia and Herzegovina internationally.
He eventually obtained Bosnian citizenship and began representing the country’s basketball team.
In 2023, he participated in the Olympic pre-qualifying tournament with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
According to his official NBA biography, he averaged 12.4 points and 7.0 rebounds during five tournament games.
His involvement with the national team represented a significant personal milestone because of the importance of his maternal family connections.
Garza has also continued discussing the legacy of his grandfather Refik Muftić and the family’s experiences in Bosnia.
For him, representing Bosnia and Herzegovina carries meaning beyond international basketball competition.
How Luka Garza’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career
Luka Garza’s basketball journey began in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, where he developed his skills under the guidance of his parents.
He attended Maret School, a private school in Washington, D.C., and gradually established himself as a promising basketball prospect.
During his early high school years, Garza was significantly taller than many opponents but initially struggled with mobility and conditioning.
His father recognized the need for additional training and developed workouts focused on improving his footwork, stamina, and scoring abilities.
Those sessions became increasingly demanding as Garza began competing against stronger opponents.
During his senior season at Maret, he averaged 24.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game.
His performances earned him the 2017 Gatorade District of Columbia Boys Basketball Player of the Year award.
He also finished his high school career as Maret’s all-time leading scorer with 1,993 points.
Following graduation, Garza accepted a basketball scholarship from the University of Iowa.
He joined the Hawkeyes for the 2017–18 season and gradually developed into one of the country’s most productive college centers.
During his junior season in 2019–20, Garza averaged 23.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.
His performances earned him the Big Ten Player of the Year award and several national honors.
Despite attracting interest from NBA scouts, he decided to return to Iowa for his senior season.
The decision reflected his desire to continue improving and compete for major college basketball achievements.
His family supported the choice, particularly his father, who remained closely involved in his training.
During the 2020–21 season, Garza averaged 24.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
He was named the consensus National College Basketball Player of the Year and won several prestigious awards, including the Naismith Trophy, John R. Wooden Award, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award.
He finished his Iowa career with 2,306 points, becoming the university’s all-time leading scorer.
Luka Garza’s Journey From Iowa to the Boston Celtics
Following his outstanding college basketball career, Luka Garza declared for the 2021 NBA Draft.
The Detroit Pistons selected him with the 52nd overall pick.
Although he had been one of the most decorated college basketball players in the country, some NBA scouts questioned whether his defensive mobility and athleticism would translate effectively to the professional level.
Garza responded by continuing to improve his physical conditioning and expanding his shooting range.
He spent his rookie season with Detroit while also gaining experience in the NBA G League.
In 2022, he joined the Minnesota Timberwolves organization.
During his time with Minnesota, Garza continued developing as a versatile offensive center.
He spent portions of several seasons with the Timberwolves and their NBA G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves.
His ability to score in the post and shoot from three-point range helped him remain a valuable professional prospect.
In July 2025, Garza signed with the Boston Celtics.
The move represented another important opportunity to establish himself as a regular contributor in the NBA.
He became part of Boston’s frontcourt rotation during the 2025–26 season.
According to reporting published by CelticsBlog in October 2026, Garza averaged 8.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game during his first season with Boston.
He also shot 43.3 percent from three-point range, demonstrating the development of his perimeter shooting abilities.
His father remained involved in helping him improve, particularly during the offseason.
Garza continued working on his defensive positioning, rebounding, and conditioning as he prepared for the 2026–27 NBA season.
His determination to improve reflects the training mentality established by his parents during childhood.
Luka Garza’s Family Life Away From Basketball
Outside professional basketball, Luka Garza maintains close relationships with his parents, sister, and extended family.
He has repeatedly acknowledged the importance of their support during his development.
In his August 2020 letter to Iowa supporters, Garza expressed appreciation for the contributions of his parents, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He credited the family’s extensive basketball experience with helping him understand the game.
His father’s ongoing involvement in training demonstrates the continuation of their close relationship into professional basketball.
His mother’s influence is also reflected in his commitment to representing Bosnia and Herzegovina internationally.
Although Garza has been publicly linked to Victoria Vidi, he has generally maintained privacy regarding his romantic relationships.
Much of his public communication focuses on his professional development, personal discipline, and the values learned from his family.
His extended family continues to represent a significant part of his life, particularly the sporting traditions connecting the United States, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luka Garza’s Family
Who is Luka Garza’s girlfriend?
Luka Garza was publicly dating Victoria Vidi in 2024. The couple appeared together at a Minnesota Timberwolves Halloween event. Their current relationship status as of October 2026 has not been independently confirmed.
Is Luka Garza married?
There is no reliable public announcement confirming that Luka Garza is married or has a wife.
Does Luka Garza have children?
There is no publicly verified information indicating that Luka Garza has any sons or daughters.
Who is Luka Garza’s father?
Luka Garza’s father is Frank Garza, a former college basketball player at the University of Idaho who has been closely involved in training and mentoring his son.
Who is Luka Garza’s mother?
His mother is Šejla Muftić Garza, also known as Sejla Garza, a former professional basketball player from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Does Luka Garza have any siblings?
Yes. Luka Garza has one publicly identified sibling, his sister Tesa Garza.
Who is Luka Garza’s sister?
Luka Garza’s sister is Tesa Garza. She is identified in his official NBA and University of Iowa basketball biographies and maintains a relatively private public profile.
Is Luka Garza related to Teoman Alibegović?
Yes. Teoman Alibegović is Luka Garza’s uncle through marriage. He is married to Lejla Muftić, the sister of Luka’s mother, and is a former professional basketball player who represented Slovenia.
Who are Luka Garza’s grandparents?
His publicly documented grandparents include James Halm, who played college basketball at Hawaii, and Refik Muftić, a former professional football goalkeeper in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Is Luka Garza Bosnian?
Yes. Luka Garza is American-born and has Bosnian heritage through his mother, Šejla Muftić Garza. He has represented Bosnia and Herzegovina in international basketball.
Did Luka Garza’s parents play basketball?
Yes. His father, Frank Garza, played college basketball at the University of Idaho, while his mother, Šejla, competed professionally in Europe.
Where was Luka Garza born?
Luka Garza was born in Washington, D.C., United States, on December 27, 1998, and grew up in the surrounding metropolitan area.
How old is Luka Garza?
Luka Garza is 27 years old as of October 2026. He will turn 28 on December 27, 2026.
What NBA team does Luka Garza play for?
Luka Garza plays for the Boston Celtics, whom he joined in July 2025 after previously representing the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Pedro Salcas is a dedicated sports journalist and NBA specialist focused on team strategy, player performance, and league news. Tracking action across the Eastern and Western Conferences, he breaks down complex game tape, roster moves, and statistics into clear, engaging analysis. From preseason storylines to deep playoff runs, Pedro brings a sharp analytical perspective and passion for basketball to keep readers informed on everything happening in the NBA.
