
Iowa Hawkeyes Alumni Set for NBA Summer League Showdown
A wave of Iowa Hawkeyes alumni are heading into the 2026 NBA Summer League, signing deals with several Western Conference teams and preparing for competition in California, Utah, and Nevada.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Bennett Stirtz across Basketball.

A wave of Iowa Hawkeyes alumni are heading into the 2026 NBA Summer League, signing deals with several Western Conference teams and preparing for competition in California, Utah, and Nevada.

After a season that saw key departures, the Hawkeyes pin their hopes on two dynamic freshmen who bring size, shooting and positional flexibility.

Despite early growing pains, Andrej Stojakovic emerged as a key contributor for Illinois, blending offensive firepower with lockdown defense en route to the Final Four.

Harvard men's basketball rising junior guard Robert Hinton is set to attend the 2026 Chris Paul Elite Guard Camp in Las Vegas, where he will train under NBA star Chris Paul and other seasoned coaches.
Incoming guards Cameron Love and Derrick (DJ) Jackson Jr. believe Kansas City basketball is overlooked and are poised to lead a turnaround for the University of Missouri‑Kansas City Roos.
Bennett Stirtz’s path from a Division II standout to a trade‑ready pick for the Oklahoma City Thunder illustrates how calm confidence and family support can reshape an underdog’s destiny.
Bennett Stirtz, a calm‑minded prospect from a Division II background, details his journey from high school obscurity to a draft night trade, highlighting the people and places that shaped his rise.

Four Iowa alumni will showcase their talents in the NBA Summer League, highlighted by a marquee opening matchup between Oklahoma City and Memphis.

A look at the five leading Big Ten basketball coaches, their recent achievements, and how their strategies are influencing recruiting and team performance across the conference.

A look at the top five Big Ten basketball coaches shaping the conference after Dusty May's exit.

At a Friday press conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder introduced their latest rookie, point guard Bennett Stirtz, who was acquired via trade from the Memphis Grizzlies. Stirtz, the 16th overall pick, expressed enthusiasm about building relationships and competing with his new teammates, including Michigan’s Aday Mara and Kentucky’s Otega Oweh, as the team prepares for Summer League action.

The Hawkeyes blend experienced veterans with highly touted newcomers under second‑year coach Ben McCollum, hoping to translate early promise into a deep NCAA Tournament run.

The 2026 NBA Draft delivered a series of thoughtful choices, with teams prioritizing fit and future potential over headline‑making trades.

The Thunder acquired point guard Bennett Stirtz in a draft-night trade, a move praised by Bleacher Report analyst Zach Buckley, who highlighted Stirtz's shooting and basketball IQ.

Brendan Hausen, celebrated for his elite shooting accuracy, has inked a Summer League contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, aiming to translate his college three‑point prowess into NBA opportunities.

Former Iowa Hawkeyes guard Brendan Hausen has signed a Summer League contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, seeking to demonstrate his three‑point capabilities in a rebuilding roster.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed three former Iowa players, including sharpshooter Josh Dix, as the franchise leans on a deep pipeline of Midwestern talent.

After a standout junior season at Iowa and a transfer to Creighton, Josh Dix inked a two‑way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, continuing a pipeline of former Hawkeyes making the leap to the league.
Kansas State’s cautious stance on stadium concessions reflects a broader conference shift, while its 2027 recruiting class showcases emerging talent amid coaching changes.
A look at how the Big Ten’s blend of one‑and‑done stars, transfer portal acquisitions and name‑image‑likeness money produced a historic draft class and reshaped college basketball.

The 2026 NBA Draft saw former Missouri Valley Conference standouts Bennett Stirtz, Ryan Conwell and Ja’Kobi Gillespie selected in the opening two rounds, marking a historic milestone for the league.
Bennett Stirtz was selected 16th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft and promptly traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a move highlighted by coach Ben McCollum as a perfect fit for the Iowa forward.
The Oklahoma City Thunder traded down to select Kentucky guard Otega Oweh with the 41st overall pick, adding a physical defender and strong athlete to a young core that already includes Lu Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein.

Richie Saunders was selected 32nd overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2026 NBA Draft, completing a college career that blended statistical dominance, award‑winning improvement and a comeback from a serious knee injury.