Iowa Guard Bennett Stirtz Secures Spot at 2026 NBA Draft Combine

*TL;DR: Bennett Stirtz received an invitation to the 2026 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago after averaging 19.8 points and 4.4 assists per game for Iowa.

Context Iowa’s senior point guard capped a breakout year with a coveted spot at the NBA Draft Combine, the league’s primary showcase for draft‑eligible talent. The event runs May 10‑17 at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena and the Mariotte Marquis, preceding the June 23‑24 draft in Brooklyn.

Key Facts Stirtz’s invitation places him among 73 prospects, including 14 from the Big Ten. Over his Division I career—spanning stops at Northwest Missouri State, Drake and Iowa—he posted 19.5 points, 5.0 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. He shot 48.7% from the field, 37.2% from three‑point range and 82% from the free‑throw line. In his single season with the Hawkeyes, he improved his scoring to 19.8 points per game while delivering 4.4 assists, shooting 47.7% overall and 35.8% from beyond the arc.

What It Means Stirtz’s combine invite signals NBA scouts view his production and efficiency as translatable to the professional level. His scoring average ranks near the top of the Big Ten’s senior class, and his assist numbers suggest playmaking ability against high‑caliber competition. The combine will test his athleticism, shooting consistency and basketball IQ in front of team executives, potentially boosting his draft stock.

The presence of 14 Big Ten players underscores the conference’s depth, but Stirtz stands out as Iowa’s sole representative after a transfer‑heavy career. Success at the combine could translate into a second‑round selection or a two‑way contract, offering Iowa a pipeline to the NBA and enhancing the program’s recruiting narrative.

Looking Ahead All eyes will turn to Chicago next month as Stirtz competes with peers from power conferences. His performance there will shape where he lands on draft night and set the tone for Iowa’s next recruiting cycle.