Watch the Bennett Stirtz Wooden Award: Iowa Star Pursuing Luka Garza’s Past Since Luka Garza left Iowa City, Iowa basketball has been looking for its next big star, and Bennett Stirtz might be writing that next chapter at the moment. The buzz surrounding the Bennett Stirtz Wooden Award is now tangible, quantifiable, and formally acknowledged on a national level.
Even though Iowa suffered a disappointing road defeat to Minnesota earlier this week, there was some very positive news. Stirtz’s inclusion on the esteemed Wooden Award midseason top-25 watch list elevated him to the status of one of college basketball’s best players and demonstrated how important he has become to the Hawkeyes’ campaign.
A Strong Declaration After a Tough Loss Iowa’s defeat at Minnesota was the kind that sticks in your memory. Stirtz was benched for the majority of the first half due to foul trouble as the Hawkeyes fell behind early. Prior to halftime, he had not scored a single point. It was startling for a player who typically establishes the offensive tone. The answer then arrived. In the second half, Stirtz scored 21 points by attacking the basket, setting up shots, and keeping Iowa within striking distance. Although it was insufficient to change the outcome, it demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the best guards in the Big Ten. After Iowa’s current 0–3 record in actual road games, the anger erupted.
It wasn’t concealed by Stirtz. When things go wrong on the road, he acknowledged that the team often becomes “so negative.” This insightful admission addressed both leadership and urgency. Iowa can’t afford to let those situations get out of control with No. 16 Illinois and No. 5 Purdue approaching.
Momentum for the Bennett Stirtz Wooden Award Grows National recognition ensued despite the defeat. There are only 25 players on the Wooden Award midseason watch list, and Stirtz’s steady output and indisputable influence earned him a spot. The discussion surrounding the Bennett Stirtz Wooden Award is supported by statistics rather than just hype. Stirtz leads Iowa in points (18.0 per game), assists (5.0), and steals (1.7) through the team’s first fifteen games. Additionally, he is the only Hawkeye who has scored in double figures on average this season. Opposing defenses key in on him every night, but he continues to deliver.
Voters for the Wooden Award place a high value on that kind of all-around influence. It’s important to control games, encourage teammates, and show up when things get tough in addition to scoring totals.
Luka Garza’s “Chasing History” Fans of Iowa are aware of how uncommon this area is. Luka Garza became the first Wooden Award winner in program history at the conclusion of his historic 2021 season. Garza set an unbeatable standard by leading the country in total points, efficiency rating, and dominant scoring performances. Stirtz is currently pursuing that legacy.
Although he might not have the same internal dominance as Garza, his impact is equally significant. He is the center of Iowa’s offense. This team appears to have a much lower ceiling without Stirtz. In one of the hardest conferences in the nation, the Hawkeyes are still competitive with him.
NBA Scouts Are Observing Already ESPN predicted that Stirtz would be selected in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft before the season even started. As the season progresses, that prediction appears to be more and more accurate. He plays with poise, assurance, and a cool edge that carries over to the next level. More significantly, he welcomes the limelight. He continues to produce even though every opponent is aware that he is Iowa’s engine. Resilience is important for awards like the Wooden as well as draft boards.
Future Plans for Stirtz and Iowa The Hawkeyes will now play Illinois at home in a crucial game that could help them regain momentum. From now on, every performance is more important to Stirtz. There is very little room for error, but there is also a great chance. The competition for the Bennett Stirtz Wooden Award will only intensify if Iowa stabilizes and Stirtz keeps up this pace. He’s already demonstrated that he belongs in the discussion. Sustaining it at the highest pressure is the next step. And Iowa supporters are well aware of how exceptional that can become, if history is any guide.
