Iowa's Bennett Stirtz a Top Sleeper Pick for Chicago Bulls in NBA Draft
The NBA Draft is just days away, and Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz is generating serious buzz as a potential first-round steal. The Chicago Bulls hold the No. 15 pick, and Stirtz is exactly the kind of hardworking, proven talent that could make an immediate impact at the professional level.
Why Bennett Stirtz is turning NBA heads
Stirtz brings a true underdog story to the draft board. He started his collegiate career in Division II, fought his way to Drake in 2024-25, and helped lead the Bulldogs to the NCAA Tournament. He then transferred to Iowa alongside his head coach, proving he could compete at the highest level in Big Ten play.
The numbers speak for themselves. Stirtz averaged 19.8 points and 4.4 assists while shooting 47.7 percent from the field for the Hawkeyes. Over his two Division I seasons, he shot 37.2 percent from long range on high volume. He also dominated the NBA combine, finishing a class-best 20-25 in the spot-up shooting drill.
While some analysts question whether he fits the typical athletic mold, his maturity and crafty play style are hard to ignore. At 22 years old, Stirtz relies on his overall feel and ability to play at his own pace. Despite sometimes being picked on by critics, he tries hard on the defensive end. That kind of grit and effort is exactly what Iowa fans appreciate.
Many observers have compared him to Peyton Pritchard, who has become a highly dependable scorer for the Boston Celtics. If that comparison holds true, Stirtz could be a strong pick-up at No. 15 for new Bulls executive Bryson Graham.
What other sleeper guards could the Bulls target at No. 15?
If the Bulls look elsewhere at No. 15, Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie is another name to watch. Okorie is a speed freak who loves to push the tempo and attack the paint. He averaged 23.2 points on 46.5 percent shooting and shot 83.5 percent from the free throw line during his first season at Stanford. However, his smaller frame and lack of distribution skills could make him a risky reach at No. 15.
Santa Clara forward Allen Graves is also generating late first-round interest. The 19-year-old freshman averaged 11.9 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 41.3 percent from deep. With an NBA-ready six-foot-eight build, Graves has the tools to be a high-end complementary player, though his combine testing left some scouts wanting more athleticism.
Could the Bulls find value in the second round?
Early in the second round at No. 38, the Bulls could look to add physicality. UConn center Tarris Reed Jr. has been creeping up mock drafts. Reed is a throwback, bully-ball big man who averaged 14.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks for the Huskies. With a massive 260-pound frame and a seven-foot-four wingspan, Reed could be a valuable bench piece who changes the tone of a game.
BYU forward Richie Saunders is another second-round option. Saunders helped lead BYU to the Sweet Sixteen before a torn ACL ended his season early. At 24 years old, Saunders does not fit the typical young prospect mold. However, he might be one of the best long-range threats in the class. Every young team needs shooting and mature voices, and Saunders could immediately provide both. Players like Sam Merrill and Max Strus have built careers on playing hard and draining triples, and Saunders fits that exact mold.
Could Bennett Stirtz go in the first round?
Yes. Stirtz has met with multiple lottery teams and performed exceptionally well in pre-draft workouts. His elite shooting and proven Big Ten production make him a strong candidate for the late first round.
What is Bennett Stirtz's NBA comparison?
Many analysts compare Stirtz to Boston Celtics guard Peyton Pritchard. Both are crafty, mature backcourt players who rely on shooting and pace rather than explosive athleticism.
Who is making the draft decisions for the Chicago Bulls?
Bryson Graham is the Bulls executive finalizing the team's big board. The 2026 NBA Draft will be his first major draft at the helm, making his preferences a bit of a mystery.