2026 NBA Mock Draft: Iowa Stars Stirtz, Jefferson Projected
The 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be a showcase of American talent and hard-earned opportunity, and Iowa basketball fans have plenty of reasons to tune in. Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz is projected as a first-round selection at No. 19 to the Toronto Raptors, while Iowa State standout Joshua Jefferson is slated at No. 32 to the Memphis Grizzlies in the latest mock draft projections. The two-round event takes place June 23-24 at Barclays Center.
How Iowa's Bennett Stirtz Climbed Into the First Round
Bennett Stirtz embodies the kind of grit and determination that Iowa fans appreciate. After transferring from Division II to a mid-major program and then to Iowa, the All-Big Ten guard proved that relentless work and individual merit can carry a player to the highest level.
Stirtz ranks at the top of this draft class in creating his own shot off the dribble, whether in isolation or the pick-and-roll. He can also finish plays from dribble handoffs, giving NBA teams a versatile offensive weapon. His March Madness performance turned heads nationally, including 24 points against Illinois and 20 points against Nebraska, helping power his team to the Elite Eight.
The Raptors play at a slow pace, which suits Stirtz well. He operated in a similar system at Iowa, making the transition to Toronto's style of play a natural fit. Stirtz reportedly completed a pre-draft workout with the organization, signaling mutual interest between player and team.
What Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson Brings to Memphis
Iowa State fans will also have a name to follow on draft night. Joshua Jefferson, who made his mark with the Cyclones, is projected at No. 32 overall to the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round.
The Grizzlies have a history of valuing experienced, productive players who know how to contribute without needing the spotlight. Jefferson fits that profile, bringing the kind of blue-collar work ethic that Iowa State basketball has built its reputation on. Memphis has shown a willingness to select older, more experienced players in the past, and their front office tends to value efficient shot selection, added value beyond scoring, and defensive playmaking.
Big Ten Well Represented in First Round
The Big Ten, now home to Iowa, has a strong presence throughout the first round. Several conference standouts are projected in the lottery and beyond, reflecting the league's growing national prominence and the caliber of talent developing in the Midwest.
Aday Mara, the 7-foot-3 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year who transferred from UCLA, helped lead his team to the NCAA championship and is projected at No. 12 to Oklahoma City. Opponents rarely attempted field goals at the rim when Mara was on the court, according to CBB Analytics. His 9-foot-9 standing reach makes him an imposing presence that NBA front offices covet as they look for bigger bodies to challenge players like Victor Wembanyama.
Hannes Steinbach, the All-Big Ten center from Washington, is projected at No. 13 to Miami. The German big man reportedly turned down NIL opportunities worth up to $10 million rather than return to college, showing a clear commitment to competing at the professional level. Morez Johnson Jr., another All-Big Ten big man who transferred to Michigan from Illinois, lands at No. 14 to Charlotte.
Who Will the Washington Wizards Select at No. 1?
At No. 1 overall, the Washington Wizards are expected to select AJ Dybantsa, the NCAA scoring champion and Julius Erving Award winner. Dybantsa, the Big 12 Rookie of the Year, led the nation in unassisted points by a wide margin. He would join Trae Young and Anthony Davis in Washington, giving the franchise an immediate offensive spark.
“I'm super confident in myself being the No. 1 pick. But you never know. There's been crazy stuff that happens on draft night.”
Darryn Peterson, once considered the near-certain top pick, has seen his stock shift due to relative inconsistency and injury concerns. However, many scouts still view him as the most talented player in the class. Peterson reportedly only conducted meetings with Washington, per ESPN, but that won't stop Utah at No. 2 or Memphis at No. 3 from selecting him if he falls.
Duke freshman Cameron Boozer is firmly in the mix at No. 2 for the Jazz, according to The Athletic's Tony Jones. The ACC Player of the Year offers consistency and a diverse skill set, bringing a culture of winning after multiple championships in high school and a strong Duke career.
Other Notable First Round Prospects to Watch
North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson, a perfect fit for what new Bulls executive Bryson Graham wants to build in Chicago, is projected at No. 4. Before his injury, the All-ACC big man led the nation with 67 dunks and was one of the best vertical athletes at the combine.
Illinois standout Keaton Wagler, who helped the Fighting Illini reach the Final Four, is projected at No. 5 to the Clippers. The 19-year-old projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class and is a cerebral player who contributes as a rebounder and playmaker.
“I've always played with a chip on my shoulder. Just trying to go out each game and prove myself and do whatever it takes to win.”
Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr., the SEC Player of the Year, is projected at No. 7 to Sacramento. He led the nation for points created either by himself or through an assist, per CBB Analytics, making him one of the most enticing offensive prospects in recent memory.
Will any Iowa players be selected in the 2026 NBA Draft?
Yes. Iowa's Bennett Stirtz is projected as a first-round pick at No. 19 to the Toronto Raptors, and Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson is projected at No. 32 to the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round.
When is the 2026 NBA Draft?
The 2026 NBA Draft takes place on June 23 and June 24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The first round occurs on June 23, with the second round following on June 24.
Who is the projected No. 1 overall pick in 2026?
AJ Dybantsa, the NCAA scoring champion and Big 12 Rookie of the Year out of BYU, is the projected No. 1 overall selection by the Washington Wizards. He led the nation in unassisted points scored by a wide margin.