A Rising Star in the 2026 Draft
Bennett Stirtz has surged into the spotlight as one of the most coveted point guards in the 2026 NBA Draft. Analysts project the Iowa Hawkeyes guard to hear his name called by the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team eager to add a versatile floor general to its roster.
Stirtz brings a blend of shooting precision and playmaking acumen, shooting 37.2% from beyond the arc while dishing out an average of 5.0 assists per game. His versatility allows him to operate both in isolation and within the pick‑and‑roll, making him a flexible asset for any NBA system.
A Legacy of Production
The Iowa Hawkeyes have a storied tradition of launching NBA talent, a pipeline that includes alumni such as Luka Garza, Joe Wieskamp, Keegan Murray and Kris Murray. Under the guidance of head coach Ben McCollum, the program continues to nurture players who can make immediate impacts at the professional level.
The 2026 NBA Draft’s first round is slated to commence at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 23, from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Fans will be able to follow the proceedings live on ABC and ESPN, adding to the growing anticipation surrounding Stirtz’s potential selection.
Beyond Stirtz, the draft class features other promising guards like Ajay Mitchell, whose own skill set adds depth to the conversation. Comparisons to established stars such as Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander highlight the high expectations placed on the newcomers.
As the draft night approaches, the buzz around Stirtz reflects a broader narrative of emerging talent ready to reshape the next generation of NBA point guards.