The road from Division II basketball to a potential first-round NBA Draft selection is almost unheard of. Yet that’s exactly the journey Iowa star Bennett Stirtz has taken, and now the former Hawkeye standout is finding himself projected as one of the most intriguing guards in the 2026 NBA Draft.
With the draft set for June 23-24, Stirtz is expected to become Iowa’s first NBA Draft selection since Kris Murray was taken 23rd overall in 2023. If projections hold true, he could join both Kris and Keegan Murray as another Hawkeye first-round pick, capping off one of the most remarkable rise-to-stardom stories in recent college basketball history.
What makes Stirtz’s draft stock so fascinating is that scouts continue to debate exactly where he belongs. Some see him as a late lottery-level talent. Others view him as a value pick in the 20s. Either way, nearly every major mock draft agrees on one thing: Bennett Stirtz is firmly in the first-round conversation.
That alone is a remarkable achievement considering where his basketball journey began. After climbing from Division II to the national spotlight, Stirtz transformed himself into the centerpiece of Iowa’s offense and one of the most productive guards in the country.
His final season in Iowa City left little doubt about his NBA potential.
Stirtz averaged 19.8 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game while shooting 47.7% from the field, 35.8% from three-point range, and 84.8% from the free-throw line. He scored at least 32 points three different times and erupted for a career-high 36-point performance against Northwestern.
More importantly, he became the face of a new era under head coach Ben McCollum.
Iowa’s memorable NCAA Tournament run ended in the Elite Eight, marking the program’s deepest postseason appearance since 1987. Stirtz was at the center of that historic journey, helping the Hawkeyes navigate adversity, overcome losing streaks, and emerge as one of college basketball’s biggest surprises.
Speaking during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine, Stirtz reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of the season.
He spoke about the challenges Iowa faced, including a difficult stretch when the Hawkeyes dropped three consecutive games. Rather than allowing the season to unravel, the team stayed together and continued pushing toward its goals.
For Stirtz, those struggles became one of the defining lessons of his college career.
He explained that enduring hardship changed the team and strengthened relationships that he believes will last long after basketball. The Elite Eight run may have fallen short of a national championship, but it helped cement one of the most memorable seasons in modern Iowa basketball history.
NBA scouts have been paying close attention.
One of Stirtz’s biggest selling points entering the draft is his shooting ability. Although his three-point percentage dipped slightly during the closing weeks of the season, evaluators understand the circumstances. Opposing defenses focused heavily on stopping him, and he logged enormous minutes throughout Iowa’s tournament push.
Many NBA analysts believe the extra spacing available at the professional level could actually make him a more efficient scorer.
Stirtz certainly believes in his shooting ability.
During the pre-draft process, he confidently stated that he considers himself the best shooter in the entire draft class. According to Stirtz, that confidence comes from countless hours of work and repetition.
His offensive game extends beyond shooting as well.
Throughout Iowa’s season, Stirtz often served as the team’s primary playmaker. He controlled the offense, created opportunities for teammates, and consistently delivered in high-pressure situations. Yet despite his success with the ball in his hands, Stirtz believes another side of his game remains largely untapped.
He has repeatedly emphasized that he wants NBA teams to see what he can do away from the ball.
His basketball IQ, shooting ability, and understanding of spacing could make him valuable in multiple offensive systems. That versatility is one reason so many organizations continue to show interest.
As draft night approaches, several respected analysts have projected potential landing spots for the Iowa star.
Detroit Pistons Projected Landing Spot
Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report currently projects Stirtz to the Detroit Pistons with the 21st overall pick.
Wasserman argues that Stirtz has already proven nearly everything scouts needed to see. After producing elite numbers at Drake, he transferred to Iowa and delivered almost identical production against tougher competition while leading the Hawkeyes to the Elite Eight.
The analyst acknowledges concerns about Stirtz’s age and athletic profile. At 23 years old, he is older than many first-round prospects, and he may not wow teams during athletic testing.
However, Wasserman believes his shot-making, basketball intelligence, finishing ability, and overall impact outweigh those concerns. In his view, Stirtz could become one of the biggest value selections anywhere in the draft.
Toronto Raptors Linked To Stirtz
USA Today’s Bryan Kalbrosky has Stirtz going even earlier.
His latest mock draft places the Iowa guard with the Toronto Raptors at No. 19 overall.
Kalbrosky notes that Toronto needs additional guard depth and points to reports that Stirtz has already scheduled a workout with the franchise.
The analyst highlights Stirtz’s unique developmental path from Division II basketball to the Big Ten. He praises the guard’s ability to create his own shot in isolation situations and pick-and-roll actions while also contributing as a scorer coming off dribble handoffs.
Kalbrosky also points to Stirtz’s March Madness performances as evidence that he thrives under pressure.
His 24-point outing against Illinois and 20-point performance against Nebraska helped power Iowa into the Elite Eight and strengthened his case as a legitimate NBA prospect.
Philadelphia Could View Him As A Perfect Fit
Danny Chau of The Ringer projects Stirtz to the Philadelphia 76ers at No. 22 overall.
Chau sees him as an ideal backup point guard option behind Tyrese Maxey and believes his skill set would immediately help Philadelphia’s offense.
What stands out most to Chau is Stirtz’s creativity in pick-and-roll situations. His ability to deliver precise passes from difficult angles consistently creates opportunities for teammates.
Combined with his shooting range and offensive instincts, those traits could make him a valuable contributor from day one.
Chau went as far as calling Stirtz potentially the best talent remaining on the board at that stage of the draft despite being one of the older prospects available.
Memphis Grizzlies Could Be The Surprise Destination
SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell has perhaps the highest projection among major analysts.
His latest mock draft sends Stirtz to the Memphis Grizzlies with the 16th overall pick.
O’Donnell describes Stirtz as a high-volume creator who rarely turns the ball over while also stretching defenses with his outside shooting.
Although questions remain about his defensive ceiling and ability to contain elite NBA guards, O’Donnell believes his offensive value makes him a strong fit in multiple systems.
The analyst is particularly intrigued by what Stirtz might become in a faster-paced NBA environment after spending much of his college career carrying such a massive offensive workload.
Other Draft Projections
Several additional mock drafts continue to place Stirtz comfortably inside the first round.
On3 projects him to the Denver Nuggets at No. 26 overall, while CBS Sports has him landing with the Charlotte Hornets at No. 18.
The range of projections highlights just how much intrigue surrounds the Iowa standout.
Whether he hears his name called at No. 16, No. 26, or somewhere in between, one thing appears increasingly clear: Bennett Stirtz has transformed from an under-the-radar prospect into one of the most talked-about guards in the 2026 NBA Draft.
For Iowa fans, draft night could mark another historic chapter. For NBA teams searching for shooting, intelligence, leadership, and proven production, Stirtz may become one of the steals of the entire first round.
And after everything he accomplished during Iowa’s unforgettable Elite Eight run, few would be surprised if his basketball journey is only getting started.
