🚨 2026 NBA Mock Draft SHOCKER: Headlines 4 Iowa Stars Two First-Round Picks Turn Heads!
The countdown to the 2026 NBA Draft is heating up, and if ’s latest projections are anything to go by, college basketball fans in Iowa have plenty to be excited about. In a fresh mock draft released by , four players from Iowa programs cracked the board and two of them are projected to hear their names called in the first round.
Leading the charge? None other than Iowa’s rising floor general, , whose remarkable late-season surge has catapulted him into serious NBA consideration. But he’s not alone. Three standout players from also made the cut, signaling a strong year for basketball talent across the state.
Let’s break down where each prospect landed and why scouts are paying close attention.
Bennett Stirtz to Detroit? The Perfect Fit Is Taking Shape
Projected Pick: Round 1, No. 21 —
If there’s one name climbing draft boards at just the right time, it’s .
After leading to a stunning Elite Eight run in March, Stirtz proved he’s more than just a solid college guard he’s a competitor built for the next level. His leadership wasn’t theoretical; it showed up in big moments, possession after possession, against top-tier defenses.
Sure, his 35.8% shooting from beyond the arc might not scream “elite sniper,” but context matters. Stirtz carried one of the heaviest offensive workloads in the country. He wasn’t just spotting up he was creating shots late in the clock, navigating tight ball screens, and orchestrating the offense under pressure.
That’s exactly why NBA teams are intrigued.
Woo highlighted Stirtz’s ability to:
- Control tempo in pick-and-roll situations
- Limit turnovers despite high usage
- Knock down open looks when defenses collapse
And then there’s the fit in Detroit.
Pairing Stirtz with could quietly be one of the smartest moves in this draft range. Cunningham commands defensive attention, and Detroit desperately needs spacing around him. Stirtz doesn’t need to dominate the ball to be effective — he thrives when he can read the floor, relocate, and punish defenses for overhelping.
At 23 years old, he’ll enter the league more polished than most rookies. That maturity could earn him early minutes as a reliable second-unit guard and potentially more if his shooting stabilizes.
Joshua Jefferson’s Grit Earns First-Round Buzz
Projected Pick: Round 1, No. 30 — (via Oklahoma City)
For , the road to the first round hasn’t been smooth — but it’s been impressive.
An ankle injury cut his NCAA Tournament run short, but by then, the damage (in a good way) had already been done. Jefferson had built a reputation as one of the most reliable, versatile forwards in college basketball.
At his size, his skill set stands out:
- Strong court vision for a forward
- Willing passer who keeps the offense flowing
- Defensive versatility across multiple positions
Jefferson’s three-point shooting jumped to a career-best 34.5%, showing real progress. While scouts still want to see more consistency as a floor spacer, the trajectory is promising.
And then there’s the fit in Dallas.
The are navigating a delicate balance rebuilding while staying competitive. With rising star expected to shape the franchise’s future, adding a plug-and-play contributor like Jefferson makes sense.
He’s not flashy. He’s not going to dominate headlines overnight. But he’s the kind of player coaches trust the one who makes the extra pass, rotates correctly on defense, and doesn’t force bad shots.
Those players stick in the league.
Milan Momcilovic: Second-Round Sleeper With Upside
Projected Pick: Round 2, No. 37 (via Dallas)
Don’t sleep on .
While he didn’t crack the first round in this projection, landing early in the second round with a team like Oklahoma City could be a blessing in disguise.
The Thunder have built a reputation for developing young talent and Momcilovic fits their mold perfectly.
At his core, he’s a modern power forward:
- Comfortable stretching the floor
- Capable of scoring in multiple ways
- Still developing physically and defensively
He may not be a finished product yet, but that’s exactly why teams like OKC take chances on players like him. With time, structure, and the right system, Momcilovic could evolve into a valuable rotation piece or more.
Tamin Lipsey: Late Pick, High IQ, Real Potential
Projected Pick: Round 2, No. 59 (via Detroit)
At No. 59, might not hear his name early but that doesn’t mean his impact will be small.
Lipsey’s game isn’t built on flash. It’s built on intelligence.
He’s the kind of guard who:
- Makes the right read under pressure
- Defends with discipline and effort
- Keeps offenses organized without forcing the issue
Teams often look for value late in the draft players who understand their role and can contribute without needing the spotlight. Lipsey checks those boxes.
Landing with the could give him an opportunity to carve out a niche as a backup guard who stabilizes lineups and brings defensive intensity.
Iowa Basketball Is Having a Moment
Four players. One mock draft. Two first-round projections.
That’s not normal and it’s not accidental.
Between and , the state has quietly become a pipeline for NBA-ready talent.
And what stands out most isn’t just the number of players it’s their diversity of skill sets:
- A high-usage playmaker in Stirtz
- A versatile forward in Jefferson
- A developmental stretch big in Momcilovic
- A cerebral guard in Lipsey
Each brings something different to the table. Each fits a different NBA need.
What Happens Next?
The 2026 NBA Draft, set for May 10, is fast approaching. Mock drafts will continue to shift, workouts will reshape perceptions, and team needs will evolve.
But one thing is clear: Iowa’s presence in this draft isn’t going unnoticed.
For , it’s a chance to cap off a remarkable rise from under-the-radar recruit to potential first-round pick.
For , it’s validation that consistency and versatility still matter in a league obsessed with upside.
And for and , it’s an opportunity to prove that second-round picks can still make serious noise at the next level.
Final Take
Draft night always brings surprises. Players rise. Others fall. But if this projection holds even close to reality, Iowa basketball fans could be celebrating one of the most successful draft classes in recent memory.
And don’t be surprised if one or more of these names ends up outperforming their draft position.
Because if there’s one thing this group has already shown, it’s this:
They don’t just meet expectations they exceed them.
