Bennett Stirtz is a right-handed point guard who uses a variety of pace-changing moves to get to his spots. Stirtz averaged 19.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game this season at Iowa while shooting 35.8% from three-point range and 84.8% from the free throw line. He was named First Team All-Big Ten. At 6'3" with a 6'6" wingspan and a 186-pound frame, Stirtz fits in the NBA point guard size pool. He is not huge, but he has enough size to be evaluated as a true lead guard. Stirtz uses his left hand well, and his 2.39-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio reflects a player who can make plays without being careless. He played the 2024-25 season at Drake before stepping up to the Big Ten and continuing to produce. Stirtz showed great endurance, leading the entire NCAA in minutes played. He also jumped a 37.5" max vertical at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine, showing more athletic pop than some may expect. Defensively, the numbers were not strong. His DDiff was minus-2.7, which raises questions about how well he will hold up against NBA guards. We enjoyed watching Stirtz play. We trust him, and we believe he loves basketball. His feel, pace, ball skill, shooting touch, and improvisational ability give him a chance. If the defense becomes passable, Stirtz has the kind of creative guard game that could flourish in the NBA. Ultimately, we view him as a potential top-tier reserve point guard.
