Bennett Stirtz, the Iowa forward who dominated the 2025‑26 college season, has received an invitation to the 2026 NBA Draft, setting the stage for what many expect to be a first‑round selection.
A Season of Milestones
During his senior year he posted averages of 19.8 points, 4.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 47.7 % from the field, 35.8 % beyond the arc and 84.8 % at the free‑throw line. He logged three 32‑point outings, topping out at 36 against Northwestern, and helped the Hawkeyes capture their first Elite Eight berth since 1987.
Under head coach Ben McCollum, Iowa entered a new era of play, blending disciplined defense with an up‑tempo offense that turned the program into a national conversation.
Stirtz has spoken openly about the team’s early‑season setbacks, emphasizing that perseverance and collective effort were the cornerstones of their turnaround.
Draft Night in Brooklyn
The draft itself will unfold in Brooklyn on June 23‑24, where the 2026 class will be evaluated alongside the legacy of recent Iowa alumni such as the Murray twins, who were the last Hawkeyes to hear their names called in the first round.
As the draft approaches, Stirtz says he remains focused on the process, ready to translate the lessons of a resilient season into the next chapter of his career.