Iowa Stars Stirtz, Jefferson Selected in 2026 NBA Draft First Round

The 2026 NBA Draft first round delivered big moments for Iowa basketball fans. Two players with Iowa ties heard their names called Tuesday night, as former Hawkeye guard Bennett Stirtz went 16th overall and Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson was selected 28th. Both players were involved in draft-night trades that will send them to new NBA homes.

How Did the First Round Play Out?

The Washington Wizards kicked off the draft by selecting BYU forward AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick. Kansas guard Darryn Peterson went second to the Utah Jazz, and Duke forward Cameron Boozer rounded out the top three as the Memphis Grizzlies' selection.

The first round featured plenty of trade activity, with several picks changing hands before the night was over. A total of 30 players were selected in the opening round, with the second round set for Wednesday evening.

What Happened to Iowa Hawkeye Bennett Stirtz?

Bennett Stirtz, the standout Iowa guard, was originally selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 16th overall pick. However, he was immediately traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of a draft-night deal.

Stirtz's selection marks a significant milestone for the Iowa basketball program. His move to Oklahoma City pairs him with a Thunder franchise that has built a strong young core and consistently competes in the Western Conference. For Iowa fans, seeing a homegrown talent land in a winning organization is a point of pride.

Where Will Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson Play?

Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson was selected 28th overall, with his rights heading to the Brooklyn Nets. Jefferson's pick was acquired by Brooklyn from the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the Julius Randle trade, according to the draft broadcast.

Jefferson brings size and versatility to a Nets team in the midst of a roster rebuild. His selection continues the strong tradition of Iowa State players making the jump to the professional level.

Full 2026 NBA Draft First Round Results

Here is the complete list of first-round selections from Tuesday night:

• No. 1 - AJ Dybantsa (BYU, F) - Washington Wizards
• No. 2 - Darryn Peterson (Kansas, G) - Utah Jazz
• No. 3 - Cameron Boozer (Duke, F) - Memphis Grizzlies
• No. 4 - Caleb Wilson (North Carolina, F) - Chicago Bulls
• No. 5 - Keaton Wagler (Illinois, G) - Los Angeles Clippers
• No. 6 - Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville, G) - Brooklyn Nets
• No. 7 - Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas, G) - Sacramento Kings
• No. 8 - Kingston Flemings (Houston, G) - Atlanta Hawks
• No. 9 - Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan, C/F) - Dallas Mavericks
• No. 10 - Brayden Burries (Arizona, G) - Milwaukee Bucks
• No. 11 - Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan, F) - Golden State Warriors
• No. 12 - Aday Mara (Michigan, C) - Oklahoma City Thunder
• No. 13 - Nate Ament (Tennessee, F) - Milwaukee Bucks (acquired from Miami Heat)
• No. 14 - Hannes Steinbach (Washington, F) - Charlotte Hornets
• No. 15 - Dailyn Swain (Texas, F) - Chicago Bulls
• No. 16 - Bennett Stirtz (Iowa, G) - traded to Oklahoma City Thunder
• No. 17 - Ebuka Okorie (Stanford, G) - traded to Detroit Pistons
• No. 18 - Christian Anderson Jr. (Texas Tech, G) - Charlotte Hornets
• No. 19 - Allen Graves (Santa Clara, F) - Toronto Raptors
• No. 20 - Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky, C) - San Antonio Spurs
• No. 21 - Karim Lopez (NZ Breakers, F) - traded to Memphis Grizzlies
• No. 22 - Labaron Philon Jr. (Alabama, G) - Philadelphia 76ers
• No. 23 - Zuby Ejiofor (St. John's, F) - Atlanta Hawks
• No. 24 - Cameron Carr (Baylor, G) - traded to Los Angeles Lakers
• No. 25 - Sergio De Larrea (Valencia, G) - traded to New York Knicks
• No. 26 - Tarris Reed Jr. (Connecticut, C) - traded to San Antonio Spurs
• No. 27 - Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston, F) - Boston Celtics
• No. 28 - Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State, F) - traded to Brooklyn Nets
• No. 29 - Alex Karaban (Connecticut, F) - traded to Sacramento Kings
• No. 30 - Koa Peat (Arizona, F) - traded to Phoenix Suns

What Does This Mean for Iowa Basketball?

Having two players with Iowa connections selected in the first round speaks volumes about the strength of basketball programs across the state. Stirtz and Jefferson both proved themselves against top competition in the Big 12 and Big Ten, and their draft positions reflect that preparation.

For young Iowa athletes watching at home, the message is clear. You do not need to leave the state to develop into a first-round NBA talent. The coaching, facilities, and competition right here in Iowa can get you to the highest level.

The second round of the 2026 NBA Draft takes place Wednesday starting at 8 p.m. ET.