The 2026 NBA Draft will be remembered as a watershed moment for the Missouri Valley Conference, as three of its recent alumni heard their names called in the first two rounds for the first time since 1985.
Stirtz’s Rise to the Sixteenth Pick
Bennett Stirtz, who spent a single season at Drake after transferring from a prior program, was selected sixteenth overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The pick capped a rapid ascent that culminated in his being named the Larry Bird Award winner as the conference’s top player.
Stirtz’s rookie statistics were impressive, as he logged 39.4 minutes per game and contributed 19.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per contest.
Conwell’s Path to the Thirty‑Seventh Spot
Ryan Conwell, a recent transfer to Indiana State, slid to the second round where the Miami Heat drafted him thirty‑seventh overall. In his lone season with the Sycamores he posted 18.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, while also recording 1.1 steals.
His accolades included Newcomer of the Year, All‑MVC Second Team honors, and recognition on the NIT All‑Tournament squad.
Gillespie’s Second‑Round Slip to the Spurs
Point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who completed a standout season at Tennessee, was chosen forty‑second overall by the San Antonio Spurs. Over 34.8 minutes per game he averaged 18.4 points, 5.4 assists and 2.8 rebounds, having previously posted 12.9 points and 3.7 assists at Belmont.
A Historic Moment for the Conference
The simultaneous selection of three MVC products underscores the growing talent pipeline emerging from the league, a development that bodes well for both the conference and the NBA.