Bennett Stirtz, the Iowa guard who dominated the 2025‑26 college season, is now the focus of NBA scouts eager to secure his services in the 2026 draft.
A Senior Season to Remember
During his senior year he posted averages of 19.8 points, 4.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game, shooting 47.7 % from the field, 35.8 % from three‑point range and an impressive 84.8 % from the free‑throw line. He erupted for 32 points on three occasions, topping out at a career‑high 36 against Northwestern.
His contributions were pivotal in Iowa’s deep NCAA Tournament run, which saw the Hawkeyes advance to the Elite Eight, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure on the national stage.
Scout Sentiment Across the League
Analysts have linked him to a variety of franchises, including the Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets and Charlotte Hornets. Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report currently forecasts a 21st‑overall selection by the Pistons, while Bryan Kalbrosky of USA Today predicts a 19th‑overall slot for the Raptors. Danny Chau of The Ringer places Stirtz at 22nd for the 76ers, Ricky O’Donnell of SB Nation projects 16th to the Grizzlies, On3.com pegs him at 26th for the Nuggets, and CBS Sports anticipates an 18th‑overall pick by the Hornets.
Versatility as a Competitive Edge
Beyond raw numbers, Stirtz’s playmaking instincts and shooting reliability make him an attractive piece for teams seeking a guard who can both create and finish. His background under head coach Ben McCollum, who transitioned the program from Division II to a high‑major contender, further underscores his adaptability and leadership.
As the draft board continues to shift, the consensus remains that Stirtz’s blend of scoring, distribution and clutch performance could see him selected in the early portion of the first round, potentially reshaping the backcourt plans of several NBA clubs.