
Iowa Hawkeyes Gear Up for Key Non‑Conference Tests Ahead of NCAA Hopes
The Hawkeyes are blending transfers and returning stars as they chase a tournament résumé that could secure a 2026‑27 March Madness berth.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Payton Sandfort across Basketball.

The Hawkeyes are blending transfers and returning stars as they chase a tournament résumé that could secure a 2026‑27 March Madness berth.

Former Hawkeyes stars Bennett Stirtz, Payton Sandfort and Josh Dix will wear Oklahoma City Thunder jerseys against the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Summer League, a game that will be streamed live on ESPN at 5 p.m. CT.

A look at how former Iowa standouts are performing in the 2026 NBA Summer League, highlighting key contributions from Bennett Stirtz, Payton Sandfort and Brendan Hausen.

Four former Iowa players delivered strong performances in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, with Hausen leading the Grizzlies to a decisive win and the Thunder's young core showing promising signs.

Four former Iowa basketball players impressed in recent NBA Summer League games, with Brendan Hausen delivering a standout performance for the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder teammates posting strong stats in a narrow loss.

Iowa alumni made notable impacts in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, with Sandfort and Dix delivering solid performances while the Grizzlies clinched a semifinal berth.

Oklahoma City fell to Dallas while Memphis secured a semifinal spot, with Payton Sandfort and Josh Dix delivering solid performances for the Thunder and Brendan Hausen held scoreless for the Grizzlies.

Four former Iowa basketball standouts conclude their 2026 NBA Summer League action today, with Stirtz, Sandfort, and Dix aiming for their first win for the Thunder and Hausen set for the Grizzlies' championship clash.

A 104-79 loss to the Warriors highlighted contrasting performances from former Hawkeyes, with Stirtz impressing, Dix struggling, and Sandfort showing flashes but lacking consistency.

Former Hawkeyes standouts Bennett Stirtz, Payton Sandfort and Josh Dix are set to make their mark in the NBA Summer League as the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to face the Golden State Warriors, with the game set to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Four former Iowa players are competing in the NBA Summer League, delivering standout moments and looking ahead to upcoming games against the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.

Four former Iowa basketball players participated in the NBA Summer League in Salt Lake City, with standout performances and challenges that set the stage for their upcoming appearance in Las Vegas.

Four former Iowa basketball players concluded the Salt Lake City segment of the NBA Summer League, with Hausen and Dix delivering strong performances and Sandfort contributing in other ways, setting the stage for a Las Vegas continuation.

A look at the latest Summer League action featuring former Iowa players and the broadcast details for fans across the United States.

Four former Hawkeyes debut in a 111-74 victory for Memphis, highlighting promising performances and future prospects.

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.
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.

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.

After going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, Lamar Wilkerson has agreed to a one‑year Exhibit 10 contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, a move that could open a pathway to the summer league, training camp and a two‑way contract.

Bennett Stirtz, Iowa’s standout guard, was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies and immediately dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder, joining a new‑look roster that includes former teammate Payton Sandfort and forward Aday Mara.
From a Division II standout to a projected first‑round pick, Bennett Stirtz embodies Iowa’s new basketball renaissance.