A Unexpected Draft Journey
Bennett Stirtz heard his name called 16th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, a moment that instantly shifted his trajectory from college standout to professional prospect. The Memphis Grizzlies selected the Iowa forward before sending him to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a move that underscores the Thunder’s intent to bolster their frontcourt with a versatile scorer.
Stirtz’s college path was anything but conventional. After a stint at Division II Northwest Missouri State, he transferred to Drake, where he earned Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year honors, before landing at Iowa under head coach Ben McCollum.
In his sole season with the Hawkeyes, he averaged 19.8 points, 4.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds, shooting 47.7% from the field and 35.8% from three‑point range. His 734 points ranked fourth in Iowa single‑season history, and his 36‑point outburst against Northwestern highlighted his scoring explosiveness.
The performance helped Iowa capture its first Elite Eight appearance since 1987, a feat that marked the inaugural chapter of McCollum’s era and placed the program back on the national radar.
Stirtz joins a Grizzlies roster that has recently leaned on young talent, while the Thunder acquire a player who brings a blend of size, shooting and playmaking. Both franchises see the move as a strategic fit for rebuilding plans.
For Iowa, his departure signals the end of a period that began when the Murray twins — Keegan Murray and Kris Murray — became the last Hawkeyes drafted in 2022 and 2023. Their legacy now shares a stage with Stirtz’s emerging narrative.
Fans in New York, Oklahoma City, Memphis and the broader basketball community will watch closely as the former Division II standout attempts to translate his collegiate success into NBA impact.