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Bennett Stirtz Earns 2026 NBA Combine Invite After Record‑Setting Senior Season

Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz received an invitation to the 2026 NBA Combine after averaging 19.8 points, 4.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals as a senior. He discusses giving his all for the Hawkeyes and what lies ahead.

Marcus Cole/3 min/US

Sports Analyst

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Bennett Stirtz Earns 2026 NBA Combine Invite After Record‑Setting Senior Season
Source: EuOriginal source

Bennett Stirtz earned a 2026 NBA Combine invite after averaging 19.8 points, 4.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals as a senior at Iowa. He becomes the third Hawkeye this century projected for a first‑round draft pick.

Context Iowa’s men’s basketball program returned to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1987, driven largely by Stirtz’s play. The 2026 NBA Combine will take place May 10‑17 in Chicago, where prospects undergo drills, measurements and interviews ahead of the June draft.

Key Facts As a senior, Stirtz averaged 19.8 points, 4.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. He was the only player nationally to record 730+ points, 160+ assists, 95+ rebounds, 90+ three‑pointers and 50+ steals in the 2025‑26 season. Stirtz said, “I just gave it my all in this Hawkeye uniform… it was a fun run,” reflecting his commitment and enjoyment of the season.

What It Means The combine invitation signals that NBA scouts view Stirtz as a viable point‑guard prospect with shooting, IQ and conditioning to translate immediately. His historic season and All‑Big Ten honors improve his draft stock, positioning him among potential first‑round selections.

What to watch next Observers will monitor Stirtz’s performance at the combine in May and subsequent mock drafts leading up to the June 23‑24 NBA Draft.

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