The 2026 NBA Draft delivered plenty of surprises, but few were as dramatic as what happened to former Iowa star Bennett Stirtz. Moments after hearing his name called with the No. 16 overall selection by the Memphis Grizzlies, Stirtz’s destination suddenly changed.
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, the Grizzlies agreed to send Stirtz to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for the No. 17 overall pick and two future second-round selections, instantly turning one of the draft’s most compelling stories into an even bigger headline.
For Stirtz, the move marks the latest chapter in a remarkable basketball journey that has defied expectations at every stop. From an unranked high school recruit to a Division II standout and now an NBA first-round pick, his rise has been nothing short of extraordinary.
The former Iowa guard enters the NBA after a sensational senior season in Iowa City. Stirtz averaged 19.8 points, 4.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game while emerging as one of the nation’s premier guards.
His impact went far beyond statistics.
Stirtz played a pivotal role in leading the Hawkeyes on an impressive NCAA Tournament run, highlighted by a stunning upset victory over No. 1 seed Florida. Throughout the season, he consistently showcased elite shot-making, leadership and poise in critical moments.
Long before starring at Iowa, however, Stirtz’s path looked very different.
Coming out of Liberty High School in Missouri, he wasn’t considered a major Division I prospect. In fact, he entered college basketball without a recruiting ranking and initially began his career at Northwest Missouri State, a Division II powerhouse.
His development at the Division II level quickly caught the attention of college basketball observers across the country. Stirtz later transferred to Drake, where he continued to flourish under coach Ben McCollum.
When he eventually entered the transfer portal, recruiting analysts viewed him as one of the top available players in the nation. On3 graded him as a five-star transfer prospect and ranked him as the No. 2 overall player in the portal.
That evaluation proved accurate.
Stirtz seamlessly transitioned to Iowa and became the centerpiece of the Hawkeyes’ offense. His ability to create shots, control tempo and orchestrate the offense made him one of the most efficient guards in college basketball.
NBA scouts were equally intrigued by his physical profile and basketball IQ.
During the NBA Draft Combine, Stirtz measured 6-foot-2.5 without shoes and weighed 186 pounds. He also posted a 6-foot-6 wingspan along with an 8-foot-2.5 standing reach, measurements that helped ease concerns about his ability to compete at the professional level.
Financially, the move to Oklahoma City comes with a significant reward.
According to Spotrac, Stirtz is expected to sign a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $22.8 million, giving the former overlooked recruit a life-changing payday as he begins his NBA career.
Draft analysts believe his skill set should translate well to the professional game.
On3 analyst James Fletcher III praised Stirtz’s advanced offensive instincts, particularly in pick-and-roll situations.
“Bennett Stirtz has become an expert in the pick-and-roll over the years with Ben McCollum,” Fletcher said. “He has enough size to stay on the floor, but will need to showcase his ability to hold up to physicality on both ends. He also comes from a high-usage system, meaning he will take on a large decrease right away.”
Former player and CBS Sports analyst Dan Dickau also highlighted Stirtz’s unconventional road to the NBA as proof that talent can emerge from anywhere.
“Bennett Stirtz, he’s a good player, he’s real,” Dickau said. “That shows everybody that the rankings and all that stuff… this guy went to a Division II school out of high school… that’s amazing. This guy is going to be a first-round pick in the NBA. If you’re good, you’re good.”
Now, after overcoming every obstacle placed in front of him, Bennett Stirtz will begin his professional career with one of the NBA’s brightest young franchises.
And if his journey so far is any indication, betting against him would be a mistake.
