Iowa Stars Stirtz and Jefferson Projected in Final 2026 NBA Mock Draft
The 2026 NBA Draft is just days away, and two players with deep Iowa roots are expected to hear their names called in the first round. Former Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz is projected to go 19th overall to the Toronto Raptors, while Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson is slated to close out the first round at pick 30 to the Dallas Mavericks, according to Yahoo Sports' final mock draft released Sunday.
What makes Bennett Stirtz a first-round lock?
Stirtz, a 6-foot-5 guard who made his mark at Iowa, is drawing praise as one of the best shooters available in this year's class. The mock draft projects him as a reliable perimeter threat who can contribute to winning basketball for years to come.
His playmaking has improved steadily each season, and Toronto's need for floor spacing and shot creation makes Stirtz a logical fit at No. 19. The projection compares his game to Reed Sheppard, the sharpshooting guard who went third overall in 2024.
For Iowa fans who watched Stirtz develop, the projection comes as no surprise. His ability to stretch defenses and make plays off the dribble translated well to the professional evaluation process.
How does Joshua Jefferson fit with Dallas?
Jefferson, a 6-foot-8 forward from Iowa State, is described as one of the most NBA-ready prospects in the entire draft. The mock draft notes that he impacts the game in countless ways, from rebounding and transition play to efficient scoring around the basket.
Dallas, already building around former No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, would land a player who consistently makes winning plays. The comparison draws to Kyle Anderson with more athleticism, pointing to a versatile forward who can contribute immediately.
For an Iowa State program that has produced quality NBA talent in recent years, Jefferson's projected first-round selection continues a strong tradition of developing professional-caliber players in Ames.
Who are the top picks in the 2026 NBA Draft?
Beyond the Iowa connections, the 2026 class features several franchise-changing talents at the top:
- No. 1 Washington: AJ Dybantsa, 6-8 forward from BYU, is the projected top overall pick. Described as a dominant three-level scorer with elite athleticism, he draws comparisons to a young LeBron James for his ability to attack the rim with power and body control.
- No. 2 Utah: Cameron Boozer, 6-9 forward from Duke, is considered arguably the safest pick in the draft. His basketball IQ and skill set give him an extremely high floor, with comparisons to Minnesota-era Kevin Love.
- No. 3 Memphis: Caleb Wilson, 6-9 forward from North Carolina, is the projected surprise of the top five. His defensive versatility and physical tools draw Kevin Garnett comparisons.
- No. 4 Chicago: Darryn Peterson, 6-6 guard from Kansas, falls to the Bulls as a potential franchise-changing talent. His competitive mentality and shot-making ability have evaluators excited about his ceiling.
Which Big Ten prospects are trending?
Iowa fans following the Big Ten will recognize several conference names in the first round. Keaton Wagler, a 6-6 guard from Illinois, is projected to go sixth overall to Brooklyn after a strong season that nearly led the Illini to a national championship.
Morez Johnson Jr., a 6-9 forward from Michigan, is projected at No. 12 to Oklahoma City, while his Michigan teammate Yaxel Lendeborg is slated at No. 13 to Milwaukee following a reported trade that would send Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami.
What trades could shake up draft night?
The mock draft projects several trades that could reshape the first round. Sacramento is predicted to move up to No. 5 to acquire Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., sending the Clippers the seventh pick and a protected 2031 first-rounder.
The biggest potential blockbuster involves Milwaukee sending Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to Miami for Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and four first-round picks, including No. 13. That would signal a full rebuild for the Bucks.
Philadelphia is also projected to move up from No. 22 to No. 17, sending Oklahoma City a 2030 second-round pick for the right to select Tennessee forward Nate Ament.
Will there be any draft night surprises?
The biggest projected surprise is Memphis passing on Darryn Peterson at No. 3 in favor of Caleb Wilson. Concerns about Peterson's reported off-court issues and the difficulty of moving off Ja Morant's contract reportedly make Wilson the cleaner fit for the Grizzlies.
As with every draft, unpredictability is the only certainty. Trades, shocking selections, and prospects rising or falling unexpectedly are all part of the equation. But based on league intel and team needs, these projections represent the best available picture of what draft night could look like.
When is the 2026 NBA Draft?
The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for later this week, with coverage beginning at 7 p.m. Central time. Iowa basketball fans will have plenty of reasons to tune in, with two local stars expected to hear their names called in the first round.