Iowa’s Rising Basketball Phenom Set to Shake Up 2026 NBA Draft—What Scouts Are Saying Will Surprise You

You know, this offseason, Iowa basketball didn’t just dip its toes into the transfer portal—they dove headfirst, scooping up six new players to reshape their roster. But here’s the kicker: none caught the spotlight quite like Bennett Stirtz, the former Drake guard who decided to link up with first-year head coach Ben McCollum out in Iowa. This guy isn’t just another transfer; he’s a game-changer. Averaging nearly 20 points and showcasing insane court vision with 5.7 assists a game, Stirtz was the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year—and an All-American to boot. ESPN’s NBA draft guru, Jonathan Givony, doesn’t mince words either, calling Stirtz a potential first-round pick in 2026. If you ask me, the Hawkeyes just handed their program a golden ticket as they transition into a new era, with Stirtz’s polished skills and familiarity with McCollum’s system promising fireworks this season. Trust me – this is one story that’s just getting started. LEARN MORE

If Stirtz replicates what he accomplished at Drake in the Big Ten, then he very well could see his name rocketing up 2026 NBA draft boards.The Liberty, Missouri, native was the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year last season after averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game on 49.8% field goal shooting, 39.5% 3-point accuracy and 79.4% from the free throw line. Stirtz was named a first-team All-American by The Field of 68.For the Hawkeyes, Stirtz’s familiarity with coach McCollum’s system and his proven star power will pay dividends for a program transitioning into a new era.The 6-foot-4 guard chose to follow first-year head coach Ben McCollum to Iowa. Stirtz’s arrival brought immediate star power to the black and gold.

The Hawkeyes made waves early during the transfer portal cycle, bringing in arguably the top player in former Drake point guard Bennett Stirtz.

Iowa basketball has been busy in the transfer portal, adding six transfers to the program this offseason.ESPN thinks Iowa is welcoming a superstar. ESPN NBA draft analyst Jonathan Givony chose Stirtz as his prospect that could be a 2026 NBA draft first-rounder after opting to return to college.

Bennett Stirtz, a 6-foot-4 point guard who played for Drake last season, was one of the breakout stars of the NCAA tournament, posting 42 points and 12 assists in two strong performances against Missouri and Texas, showing his game more than translates against elite-level competition after a dominant season in the Horizon League. Stirtz was ranked No. 35 in the ESPN Top 100 when he announced he would enter the transfer portal and follow his coach, Ben McCollum, from Drake to Iowa, not even bothering to test the NBA draft waters along the way.NBA scouts won’t complain about having a full season to evaluate Stirtz in the Big Ten, where they’ll get a better feel for how his impressive ballhandling, ability to change speeds, touch and creativity finishing around the basket translate for a full season. Stirtz is a dynamic perimeter shooter who is one of the best passers and decision-makers in college basketball but getting a better gauge for his defense and how he handles coaches planning against him on a nightly basis will surely shed light on how high he should be selected next June. – Jonathan Givony, ESPN.

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