As the 16th overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, guard Bennett Stirtz joins the Oklahoma City Thunder after a productive senior year at Iowa.
Stirtz was an Associated Press honorable mention All-American, averaging 19.8 points, 4.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals while shooting 35.8% from 3-point range. He was the only player in the country to have at least 730 points, 160 assists, 95 rebounds, 90 3s and 50 steals.
The 6-foot-3 Stirtz helped Iowa to its first trip to the Elite Eight in 39 years, playing all 40 minutes in each game of the NCAA Tournament. He became the third first-round pick from the program since 1999, joining Keegan Murray (2022) and Kris Murray (2023).
Stirtz debuted with the Thunder in summer league, averaging 14.4 points,
3.4 assists, 1.6 rebounds and one steal while shooting 45% from the field in five games. He finished in double figures four times, including a 22-point outing on July 14.
The 22-year-old was among three draft picks for the Thunder this year, joining Aday Mara (No. 12 overall) and Otega Oweh (No. 41). The organization was ecstatic to add each player and is eager to see them take the court next season as it looks for another deep playoff run.
Throughout September, Rookie Wire is compiling some of the most interesting facts about each first-round pick in an effort to further introduce the incoming draft class ahead of the 2026-27 season
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Father
Stirtz attended Liberty High School (Missouri), where his father, Roger, coached him. Roger is an avid cyclist, while his mother, Renee, ran cross country at Kansas State. He developed his Ironman conditioning in part from family hikes.
Northwest Missouri State
After leaving Liberty High School as its third all-time scorer, Stirtz didn't receive a Division I scholarship offer. He began his collegiate career at Northwest Missouri State (Division II), where he was a two-time All-MIAA second-team selection and the 2023 Freshman of the Year.
Ben McCollum
After playing for two years at Northwest Missouri State, Stirtz followed head coach Ben McCollum to Drake for his junior year. He then transferred to Iowa after the program hired McCollum to replace Fran McCaffery. Stirtz, who played all four years of college under McCollum, paid tribute to each school by wearing a custom-made tan suit on draft night. Stirtz was the 2025 MVC Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year at Drake, averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 steals while shooting 39.5% from 3-point range. He was the only player in the country to record at least 600 points, 180 assists and 70 steals.
Disc Golf
Stirtz said on draft night that his main hobby outside of basketball is disc golf. He joked that noted golf enthusiast and new teammate Alex Caruso would probably be mad at him because he isn't very good at traditional golf.
Random Knowledge
Stirtz told Sportico in June that a hidden talent of his is knowing "where everyone went to college in the NBA." So, note to his Thunder teammates: Draft Stirtz to your trivia team.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: 5 fun facts: Get to know Thunder rookie Bennett Stirtz before 2026-27 season
