Bennett Stirtz, the Iowa Hawkeyes’ senior guard, has received an invitation to the 2026 NBA Draft, scheduled for June 23‑24 in Brooklyn, New York. After a breakout season that saw him average 19.8 points per game, the prospect is now projected as a first‑round selection.
Stirtz’s statistical line — 19.8 points, 4.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game — paired with a 47.7% field‑goal percentage, 35.8% three‑point shooting and an 84.8% free‑throw rate, placed him among the most efficient offensive players in the Big Ten. He scored 32 points or more on three occasions, topping out at a career‑high 36 against Northwestern.
The Hawkeyes’ resurgence under second‑year coach Ben McCollum has been a central narrative of the season. McCollum’s emphasis on teamwork and resilience helped Iowa break a 37‑year drought by reaching the Elite Eight, the first such appearance since 1987.
Stirtz reflected on the team’s journey, noting that perseverance and the bonds forged with teammates were as valuable as any individual accolade. “We fought through tough stretches, and that unity is what carried us to Brooklyn,” he said.
A Legacy Built on Teamwork
The combination of individual skill and collective effort defines Stirtz’s approach. As he prepares for the draft, he carries with him the lessons learned in Iowa’s locker rooms, where every practice was a lesson in trust.