A Breakout Run in March Madness
Iowa’s men’s basketball team captured national attention during the 2024 NCAA Tournament, advancing to the Elite Eight and sparking renewed excitement around the program.
At the heart of that surge is senior forward Bennett Stirtz, whose unconventional path from Division II Northwest Missouri State to Drake University and finally to Iowa has become a hallmark of the Hawkeyes’ developmental model.
Stirtz’s emergence coincides with a projected first‑round selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, a milestone that promises to showcase Iowa’s resurgence on a broader stage.
From Division II to the Draft
Coach Ben McCollum, who took over the program in 2022, has been praised for coaxing the most out of Stirtz and a roster that now attracts high‑profile recruits, including 2027 guard prospects.
The story also reflects a broader shift, as former coach Fran McCaffery’s legacy of NBA‑ready talent continues under a new era, with players like Luka Garza, Joe Wieskamp and Payton Sandfort citing the program’s professional pathway.
Ethan Harris, a freshman, recently highlighted Stirtz’s influence on the team’s culture, noting that the veteran’s work ethic sets a standard for the next generation.
As the Hawkeyes look ahead, the blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent suggests a sustained push toward national relevance, positioning Iowa as a destination for prospects seeking both exposure and development.