The 2026 NBA Draft is set for June 23 and June 24 at Barclays Center, and Iowa basketball fans have real skin in the game. Former Iowa Hawkeye Bennett Stirtz and Iowa State Cyclone Joshua Jefferson are both projected to be selected, proving that hard work and talent development in the Hawkeye State pay off. While national prospects like AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer dominate the top of the board, the local angle gives Iowans a compelling reason to tune in to the two-day event.
How Are Iowa Players Projected in the 2026 NBA Draft?
The draft is a pure meritocracy, where production on the court dictates your future. Two players who built their stock through sheer performance are Stirtz and Jefferson.
Former Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz is projected as the 19th overall pick to the Toronto Raptors. The All-Big Ten guard transferred from Division II all the way to a high-major program, proving himself at every level. Stirtz excels at creating his own shot off the dribble in isolation and the pick-and-roll. His elite play during March Madness, including a 24-point game against Illinois and a 20-point game against Nebraska, pushed his stock into the first round. The Raptors play at a slow pace, which translates perfectly for Stirtz, who did the same at Iowa.
Iowa State Cyclone Joshua Jefferson is projected as the 32nd overall pick, heading to the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis has a history of valuing experienced players who know how to win, and Jefferson brings that mindset from Ames. The Grizzlies acquired this second-round pick through the Desmond Bane trade, and adding a reliable piece like Jefferson fits their proven model of drafting productive veterans.
Who Are the Top Picks in the 2026 NBA Mock Draft?
The first round is loaded with talent that has earned its spot through elite production. Here is how the top five is projected to shake out, based on league conversations and data from CBB Analytics.
- 1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa. The NCAA scoring champion and Big 12 Rookie of the Year is the clear favorite. He led the nation in unassisted points and would pair perfectly with Trae Young and Anthony Davis.
- 2. Utah Jazz: Cameron Boozer. The ACC Player of the Year brings a winning culture and consistent production. ESPN reports the Jazz are genuinely torn, but Boozer is firmly in the mix.
- 3. Memphis Grizzlies: Darryn Peterson. Despite some inconsistency, many scouts still view Peterson as the most talented player available. His efficiency with a high usage rate is rare.
- 4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson. The North Carolina freshman brings the size and physicality that new Bulls executive Bryson Graham wants to build around.
- 5. Los Angeles Clippers: Keaton Wagler. The Illinois standout is a cerebral player who helped lead the Fighting Illini to the Final Four. He projects as an elite shooter.
Which Other First Round Prospects Stand Out?
Beyond the top five, several prospects have caught the attention of front offices through hard work and measurable results.
Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. is projected 6th to the Brooklyn Nets. He recently received a clean bill of health from the league's medical staff, saying,
I feel like myself again.Before his injury in February, he was averaging 29.2 points per game.
Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. is slated 7th to the Sacramento Kings. He led the nation in points created, proving he can carry an offense. The 7-foot-3 big man Aday Mara, who transferred from UCLA, is projected 12th to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He became a dominant rim protector during March Madness and won the NCAA championship.
Baylor junior Cameron Carr is making waves at pick 15 to the Chicago Bulls. He recorded a 42.5-inch max vertical at the combine and scored 30 points in a scrimmage. His explosive athleticism makes him a high-upside pick for a franchise looking to rebuild with young, dynamic talent.
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. Fans will see the first round on night one, followed by the second round on night two.
Which Iowa College Players Are Expected to Be Drafted?
Former Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz is projected as the 19th overall pick to the Toronto Raptors. Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson is projected as the 32nd overall pick to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Who is the Projected Number One Pick in 2026?
AJ Dybantsa, the NCAA scoring champion from the Big 12, is the projected number one overall pick. The Washington Wizards hold the first selection and are expected to choose Dybantsa to inject life into their offense.