As we gear up for Iowa's first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2022-2023 season, all eyes are on Bennett Stirtz. For the senior standout, this game is more than just another matchup; it's a pivotal moment in his college career and a chance to extend Iowa's run on the national stage.
Stirtz has been the backbone of the Hawkeyes this season, following his transfer from Drake last spring. His decision to join Iowa, after generating significant NBA Draft buzz with an MVP season, was influenced by his desire to play under Ben McCollum for one more year. Now, with the tournament spotlight on him, Stirtz has the opportunity to elevate his draft stock significantly.
Currently projected by ESPN to go No. 20 overall in the upcoming NBA Draft, Stirtz's performance in the tournament could catapult him even higher. While draft positions can be unpredictable due to trades and team needs, a standout performance could see him breaking into the top 15, or even pushing for a top 10 spot.
Stirtz has been a versatile force for the Hawkeyes, leading the team in points (20.0), assists (4.5), and steals (1.5) per game. His durability and availability on the court are qualities that NBA teams highly value.
ESPN's current projection places him with the Miami Heat at No. 20, but several teams in the top 15, like the Milwaukee Bucks, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and Toronto Raptors, are in need of guard talent. While it might be ambitious for the Mavericks at No. 7 or Grizzlies at No. 8 to select him that early, an impressive tournament run could change the narrative.
For Stirtz, the immediate focus remains on making a deep NCAA Tournament run. However, a stellar performance in March could also mean a significant rise in his NBA Draft prospects.