Bennett Stirtz has etched his name into Iowa basketball lore, steering the Hawkeyes tantalizingly close to their first Final Four since 1980. Reflecting on his journey, Stirtz humbly considered his legacy.
"You can't really control what anyone else is going to say about you, but hopefully it's good," Stirtz shared, encapsulating his heartfelt connection to the team. "I just gave it my all in this Hawkeye uniform.
I hope they have continued success, and that's all I want for them. It's hard to put everything into words right now, but, yeah, I gave it my all, and we all gave it our all."
Though the Hawkeyes fell short against the Fighting Illini, Stirtz delivered a standout performance, racking up 24 points on 8-of-17 shooting. He was sharp from beyond the arc, hitting 4 of 11, and perfect at the charity stripe with 4-for-4. His all-around effort, including three rebounds and three assists, earned him a spot on the South All-Region Team.
When reflecting on his career, which boasts an impressive 133 consecutive games at Northwest Missouri State, Drake, and Iowa, Stirtz deflected praise to those who supported him along the way.
"I'll always remember the people around me and the support I always had," he emphasized. "This wouldn't have been possible without everyone in my corner and all these teammates I've had throughout the years. It's a testament to them, and to Coach Mac and all the coaches I've had throughout my four years."
In his two seasons at the Division I level with Drake and Iowa, Stirtz's stats tell the story of a player who consistently delivered: 19.5 points, 5.0 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. His shooting efficiency was noteworthy, with a 48.7% field goal percentage, 37.2% from three-point range, and 82% from the free-throw line. Stirtz's journey is a testament to dedication, teamwork, and the indelible impact of a supportive community.