Bennett Stirtz Shines in His Lone Season with Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa City has been buzzing with the news that Bennett Stirtz, Iowa's standout basketball star, has been named to the first team All-Big Ten by the media and second team by the coaches. Adding to his accolades, Stirtz also earned the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award, a testament to his impact both on and off the court.
Stirtz's stats this season speak volumes. Averaging 20.2 points, 4.4 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, he's been a powerhouse for the Hawkeyes.
His shooting efficiency is nothing short of impressive, hitting 49.8% from the field, 38.2% from three-point range, and 84.4% from the free-throw line. Starting all 31 games, he logged an average of 37.4 minutes per contest, showcasing his endurance and commitment.
The journey for Stirtz began with high expectations as he transitioned from Drake to Iowa, following coach Ben McCollum. As the former Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, Stirtz has exceeded those expectations, driving an Iowa team that finished 20-11 overall and 10-10 in the Big Ten in McCollum's debut season.
Stirtz's performances have been nothing short of spectacular. During a notable four-game stretch against Big Ten opponents, he averaged 30.5 points per game.
His standout 25-point game against Nebraska, where he also played a pivotal defensive role, was a highlight of the season. Remarkably, he scored in double figures in 29 out of 31 regular-season games.
Though his time at Iowa is limited to just one season, Stirtz's influence is undeniable. "It sends a message to other people that it's cool to be a Hawkeye," McCollum noted. Stirtz's success story is setting a new standard and aiding in recruiting efforts, showing potential players the heights they can reach at Iowa.
Stirtz's basketball journey is a tale of perseverance and growth. Starting at Division-II Northwest Missouri State with McCollum, he climbed the ranks to Drake and then Iowa, establishing himself as one of the Big Ten's elite players.
Reflecting on their shared journey, McCollum remarked, “We’ll probably never realize it until five, six years down the road, like this is a pretty epic deal. Like, who does that?
Go from D-II to mid-major to the Big Ten over a span of like two years. This is ridiculous what he’s done.”
As the Hawkeyes eye their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2023, the road ahead is crucial. Facing the winner of Maryland and Oregon in the Big Ten Tournament, a victory would secure their spot and avoid any Selection Sunday drama. A loss, however, would extend a losing streak and make their tournament hopes uncertain.
A win on Wednesday could propel the Hawkeyes into a matchup against Ohio State, keeping their momentum alive. Stirtz and the team are poised to make a statement, ensuring that this season's efforts translate into postseason success.