The NBA Summer League in Salt Lake City wrapped up with a series of games that gave fans a glimpse of the upcoming talent pool.
Former Iowa Hawkeyes standout Brendan Hausen led the Memphis Grizzlies with 21 points, though the team fell to the Atlanta Hawks.
Josh Dix, also a Hawkeye alumnus, contributed 16 points for the Oklahoma City Thunder in a loss to the Utah Jazz, adding a modest stat line that included rebounds and assists.
Payton Sandfort, another Iowa product, was held scoreless but still made an impact with four rebounds, three assists and a steal, showing his defensive versatility.
Bennett Stirtz, the fourth Hawkeye prospect, did not see any minutes on the court during the Salt Lake City portion of the league.
Looking Ahead to Las Vegas
All four former Iowa players are slated to continue their Summer League experience in Las Vegas, where the next set of games will provide further evaluation opportunities for the franchises.
The performances in Salt Lake City have sparked discussion among analysts about the potential roles each player could carve out in the upcoming NBA season, with Hausen’s scoring outburst and Dix’s all‑around effort drawing particular attention.
While Sandfort’s quiet offensive night raised questions about his shooting readiness, his playmaking and defensive numbers suggest he could find a niche as a complementary guard. Stirtz’s absence remains a mystery, but his eventual participation in the Las Vegas games may shed light on his current status with the Thunder.
The Hawkeyes’ alumni network continues to generate buzz as the league moves forward, and the upcoming Las Vegas Summer League will be a crucial checkpoint for these rising professionals.