Bennett Stirtz Secures 2026 NBA Draft Combine Invite After 19.8 PPG Season

Context The NBA announced 73 invitees for the May 10‑17 Combine in Chicago on May 1. The list includes several first‑round prospects, with Stirtz among the most recent additions. Iowa’s run to the Elite Eight marked the program’s deepest tournament showing in nearly four decades.

Key Facts Stirtz posted a 19.8‑point average, shot 47.7% from the field and 35.8% from three‑point range, and contributed 4.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals per contest. He recorded three 32‑point games, including a career‑high 36 against Northwestern. His scoring total of 734 points ranks fourth in Iowa single‑season history, while his 251 field goals place him eighth on the same list. The guard earned first‑team All‑Big Ten honors from the media and second‑team recognition from league coaches.

Coach Ben McCollum highlighted the program’s rapid ascent, noting the team’s journey from Maryville, Missouri, to the Elite Eight as “ridiculous” and nearly reaching the Final Four. Stirtz’s performance helped Iowa break a 39‑year Elite Eight drought.

What It Means NBA scouts will evaluate Stirtz’s shooting efficiency and defensive activity at the Combine, where he joins a projected first‑round class. ESPN’s latest mock draft places him at 21st overall, while The Athletic lists him at 26th. A strong showing could solidify his status as a lottery pick and give Iowa a reputation for developing NBA‑ready talent.

Looking Ahead Watch the May 10‑17 Combine for Stirtz’s measurements, athletic testing and scrimmage performance, which will shape his draft positioning and potential impact on a 2026 NBA roster.