If you thought Bennett Stirtz was going to ease up off the court, think again. The Hawkeyes’ ironman hasn’t had much downtime this week as they gear up for a face-off with Clemson.
Stirtz has been a workhorse for Iowa, logging a team-high 37.5 minutes per game. His durability is a key asset, and even when foul trouble or minor injuries have sidelined him briefly, he’s been a constant presence on the court.
However, this week has been anything but restful for Stirtz. With the big game against Clemson on the horizon, practices have been intense. Stirtz himself admits, “Our practices have been pretty tough, tougher than games.”
That’s saying something coming from a player as resilient as Stirtz. He’s no stranger to pushing his limits, and this week is no exception as Iowa prepares for their NCAA Tournament run.
This tournament marks the second time Stirtz and head coach Ben McCollum are heading to the Big Dance, having taken the Drake Bulldogs there last season. But this year, with a higher seed, the stakes and expectations are elevated.
Stirtz is determined to lead Iowa to its first NCAA Tournament victory since the 2021-2022 season. With his relentless work ethic and the team’s rigorous preparation, the Hawkeyes are poised to make some noise in the tournament.