The 2026 NBA Summer League has become a showcase for recent college graduates, and among them several former Iowa Hawkeyes are drawing attention for their early professional performances.
Bennett Stirtz, the No. 16 overall pick in the 2026 draft, has begun to translate his collegiate scoring instincts to the professional stage with the Oklahoma City Thunder. In his latest appearance he recorded 22 points and six assists, while also contributing three rebounds and a steal.
Stirtz is currently averaging 14.4 points, 3.4 assists and 2.6 turnovers per game, but his three‑point efficiency remains a work in progress at 30 percent.
Payton Sandfort, also on the Thunder roster, has shown a knack for finding the basket, averaging 13.0 points and 3.2 rebounds while reaching double‑figure scoring in five of six games.
Brendan Hausen has emerged as a sharpshooter for the Memphis Grizzlies, posting 21 points in Salt Lake City and later adding 20 points in a victory over the Warriors in Las Vegas, shooting 6‑of‑8 from beyond the arc in the process.
Rising Impact
The early performances suggest that the trio could play pivotal roles in shaping their teams’ strategies as the league moves toward the regular season, with each player bringing a distinct skill set to the court.