Iowa basketball fans have reason to celebrate as former guard Bennett Stirtz has officially received an invitation to the 2026 NBA Draft Combine, announced on May 1. This marks a major milestone for the player who made an unforgettable impact during his lone season with the Hawkeyes.

Stirtz was a driving force behind Iowa's remarkable run to the Elite Eight—their first since 1987. Averaging 19.8 points, 4.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, he shot an impressive 47.7% from the field and 35.8% from beyond the arc. His scoring prowess was on full display in three games where he dropped at least 32 points, including a career-high 36 against Northwestern.

His stellar performance earned him first-team All-Big Ten honors from the media and second-team recognition from the league's coaches. Stirtz also etched his name into the program's record books, ranking fourth on the single-season scoring list with 734 points, eighth in field goals made (251), and tied for fifth in three-point field goals made.

The NBA Draft Combine, set for May 10-17 in Chicago, will feature 73 invited players. Stirtz's journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. Under the guidance of head coach Ben McCollum, he climbed from Division II Northwest Missouri State to Drake and finally to Iowa, amassing over 2,300 career points along the way. Two seasons ago, he was named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, and now he's projected as a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

McCollum reflected on their improbable path after the Elite Eight loss to Illinois: "The journey that we've taken is a little ridiculous, to be honest. We were just in Maryville, Missouri. Now we're playing in the Elite Eight. Man, almost had the Final Four."

Mock drafts have taken notice of Stirtz's potential, with ESPN slotting him at No. 21 and The Athletic at No. 26. As the combine approaches, all eyes will be on this rising star who has already proven he can shine on the biggest stages.