The state of Iowa made history on Tuesday night, but not before delivering a major draft-night surprise that left basketball fans scrambling for updates. Former Iowa star Bennett Stirtz heard his name called earlier than many expected during the 2026 NBA Draft and within moments, everything changed.
Stirtz was selected with the No. 16 overall pick in the first round by the Memphis Grizzlies at the Barclays Center in New York City. However, the celebration quickly took an unexpected turn when the talented guard was traded shortly afterward to the Oklahoma City Thunder, instantly reshaping the franchise’s future plans and adding another promising young talent to one of the NBA’s brightest organizations.
The draft-night drama didn’t stop there. Former Iowa State standout Joshua Jefferson also became a first-round selection, going No. 28 overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves before being immediately dealt to the Brooklyn Nets. The pair’s selections marked a historic milestone: for the first time ever, both Iowa and Iowa State produced first-round NBA Draft picks in the same draft.
For basketball fans across the Hawkeye State, the moment represented years of development, persistence, and elite performances finally paying off on the sport’s biggest stage. With Stirtz and Jefferson now heading to NBA organizations, Iowa basketball is enjoying one of its most significant moments in recent memory.
Stirtz’s Remarkable Journey Ends With First-Round Selection
Few prospects in this draft class traveled a more unconventional path than Bennett Stirtz.
The 6-foot-4 guard began his collegiate career at Division II powerhouse Northwest Missouri State before following head coach Ben McCollum to Drake. After establishing himself as one of college basketball’s most efficient scorers, Stirtz transferred to Iowa, where he elevated his game even further during the 2025-26 season.
As a senior, Stirtz averaged 19.8 points and 4.4 assists per game while earning All-Big Ten honors. His offensive creativity, shot-making ability, and basketball IQ steadily improved his draft stock throughout the season.
Most major mock drafts projected Stirtz as a late first-round selection, although several analysts believed his polished offensive game could push him into the middle of the round.
ESPN projected him to go No. 17 overall to Oklahoma City, while The Athletic predicted Memphis would select him at No. 16 exactly where he was ultimately drafted before the subsequent trade to the Thunder. CBS Sports had Stirtz slotted at No. 29 overall to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Now, Stirtz joins an Oklahoma City organization widely regarded as one of the NBA’s premier young teams, giving him an opportunity to develop alongside an already talented roster.
Jefferson Caps Stellar Cyclone Career With First-Round Call
Joshua Jefferson’s rise into first-round consideration accelerated dramatically during his final season at Iowa State.
The versatile forward completed his two-year stint in Ames by earning consensus All-America honors after producing one of the best all-around seasons in the country. Jefferson averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game during the 2025-26 campaign, showcasing the type of versatility NBA teams covet.
His outstanding senior season vaulted him into first-round discussions, with draft analysts consistently placing him near the end of Round 1.
ESPN projected Jefferson to land with the New York Knicks at No. 31, CBS Sports had him going No. 27 to the Boston Celtics, and The Athletic forecasted a selection at No. 32 by Memphis.
Instead, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Jefferson with the 28th overall pick before promptly trading him to the Brooklyn Nets.
Tamin Lipsey Still Waiting for His Opportunity
Another familiar Iowa State name remains in the draft conversation.
Former Cyclone guard Tamin Lipsey, the winningest player in program history, entered the draft process after concluding a decorated college career. A three-time All-Big 12 selection, Lipsey saved some of his best basketball for his senior season, posting career highs in both scoring and assists.
One of his signature performances came during the NCAA Tournament when he erupted for 26 points, 10 assists, and five steals to propel Iowa State into the Sweet 16.
Although Lipsey was not selected in the first round, he remains firmly on NBA radars heading into the second round and could still hear his name called. Should he go undrafted, multiple teams are expected to pursue him as an undrafted free agent.
Draft analysts continue to view Lipsey as a legitimate professional prospect. The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie ranked him as the No. 57 overall player in the class, while CBS Sports listed him at No. 61 and ESPN placed him at No. 74.
Regardless of what happens next, the 2026 NBA Draft has already become a landmark event for basketball in the state of Iowa and the story may not be finished just yet.
