Summary
Iowa's basketball player Bennett Stirtz played a key role in helping the Iowa Hawkeyes reach the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. His coach, Ben McCollum, praises him for his hard work and predicts he will play in the NBA. ESPN ranks Stirtz as a top prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft.
Key Facts
- Bennett Stirtz struggled with his three-point shooting in the first two NCAA Tournament games but helped Iowa win and advance to the Sweet 16.
- Stirtz scored 20 points in the Sweet 16 game against Nebraska and 24 points in the Elite Eight game against Illinois.
- Stirtz transferred to Iowa after playing for Drake University, where he also played under Coach Ben McCollum.
- Stirtz averaged 19.8 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game in his season at Iowa.
- ESPN ranked Stirtz as the 22nd-best prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft.
- Stirtz is projected to be drafted by the Miami Heat at No. 20 overall.
- Coach McCollum praised Stirtz for his dedication and development into an NBA-level player.
