For years, Iowa basketball has searched for the kind of national attention that extends beyond Big Ten headlines and reaches the center of the basketball world. Now, thanks to Bennett Stirtz and his remarkable rise to the 2026 NBA Draft, the Hawkeyes once again find themselves in the national spotlight.
What makes Stirtz’s story so compelling isn’t just the possibility of hearing his name called in the first round. It’s the unlikely path that brought him here. In an era dominated by five-star recruits and blue-blood programs, Stirtz has become proof that determination, development, and belief can still beat the odds.
Just a few years ago, Stirtz wasn’t viewed as a future NBA prospect. In fact, he didn’t receive a single Division I scholarship offer coming out of high school. Instead, the Liberty, Missouri native began his college career at Northwest Missouri State, a Division II program where he quietly started building the foundation for what would become one of college basketball’s most inspiring success stories.
His growth at Northwest Missouri State quickly caught attention. Stirtz earned MIAA Freshman of the Year honors and developed into one of the top players in Division II basketball. But even then, few could have predicted that he would eventually become one of the most discussed guards in an NBA Draft class loaded with talent.
The turning point came when he followed coach Ben McCollum to Drake. The move changed everything.
At Drake, Stirtz blossomed into a star. He captured Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year honors, won MVC Newcomer of the Year, and helped elevate the Bulldogs into one of the nation’s most dangerous programs. His combination of scoring, court vision, leadership, and basketball IQ made him one of the most complete guards in college basketball.
When McCollum accepted the Iowa job, Stirtz made another major decision. He followed his coach to Iowa City, stepping onto one of college basketball’s biggest stages and entering the rugged world of Big Ten competition.
The transition could have overwhelmed many players.
Instead, Stirtz thrived.
During the 2025-26 season, he averaged 19.8 points, 4.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting an efficient 48 percent from the field, 36 percent from three-point range, and 86 percent from the free-throw line. Those numbers helped him earn First-Team All-Big Ten honors and Honorable Mention All-American recognition.
More importantly, he became the face of Iowa basketball’s resurgence.
The Hawkeyes made a stunning run to the Elite Eight, their deepest NCAA Tournament journey in nearly four decades. Throughout that run, Stirtz played with a confidence that made him look more like a seasoned professional than a college senior.
One of his most memorable performances came when he scored 36 points against Northwestern, tying for the third-highest scoring output by a Hawkeye inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. That performance further fueled NBA Draft conversations and reminded scouts that his production wasn’t a fluke.
As the NBA Draft approached, Stirtz’s stock continued to rise.
Multiple mock drafts projected him as a first-round selection, with potential landing spots including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons, and Toronto Raptors. Analysts consistently praised his elite basketball IQ, polished shooting ability, and advanced understanding of the game.
While some scouts questioned his athletic ceiling, many organizations viewed him as one of the safest guards available.
The comparison that repeatedly surfaced was Oklahoma City guard Ty Jerome. Like Jerome, Stirtz isn’t known for explosive athleticism. Instead, he wins with intelligence, timing, decision-making, and shooting. Those traits have become increasingly valuable in today’s NBA, where efficient playmakers can dramatically impact winning.
What makes Stirtz’s rise especially important for Iowa basketball is the message it sends to recruits and transfers around the country.
For years, elite prospects often looked elsewhere when considering their paths to the NBA. Stirtz’s journey changes that conversation.
His success demonstrates that players can come to Iowa, develop under McCollum’s system, compete against elite competition, and position themselves for professional opportunities. That’s a powerful recruiting tool for a program looking to establish itself among the Big Ten’s elite.
The timing couldn’t be better.
College basketball has entered an era shaped by the transfer portal and NIL opportunities. Programs that can develop talent and produce professional players hold a significant advantage. Stirtz’s emergence gives Iowa a real-life example to showcase every time a recruit visits campus.
His story also resonates because it reflects something many fans love about sports.
Not every success story begins with national rankings and massive expectations. Some begin in smaller gyms, at overlooked programs, and with athletes who simply refuse to stop improving.
That’s exactly what happened with Stirtz.
From Division II basketball to Drake. From Drake to Iowa. From Iowa to the doorstep of the NBA.
Each step seemed improbable until he made it happen.
Now, regardless of where he ultimately lands in the draft, Bennett Stirtz has already accomplished something significant. He has helped put Iowa basketball back on the national map and reminded the basketball world that greatness can emerge from the most unexpected places.
For Hawkeye fans, the draft represents more than a personal milestone for Stirtz. It’s validation that Iowa basketball is moving in the right direction.
And if Bennett Stirtz’s incredible journey is any indication, this may only be the beginning of a new era in Iowa City.
