Iowa's Bennett Stirtz Draws Kyle Korver Comparison Ahead of NBA Draft
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz is generating serious buzz ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, with ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla comparing his game to former NBA sharpshooter Kyle Korver. Stirtz, an All-Big Ten performer who averaged 19.8 points and shot 35.8% from three-point range at Iowa, is projected as a second-round selection and could become the latest Iowa product to hear his name called Tuesday night.
How Bennett Stirtz Became an NBA Draft Prospect
Stirtz's path to the NBA Draft is anything but conventional. He started his college career at Division II Northwest Missouri State, then followed coach Ben McCollum to Drake. When McCollum left Drake to take the Iowa head coaching job, Stirtz transferred to Iowa City and proved he could compete at the highest level of college basketball.
The 6-foot-4 guard's steady rise through the ranks speaks to the kind of work ethic and perseverance that resonates with Iowa fans. He was not a five-star recruit or a one-and-done talent. He earned his way onto NBA radars through production and consistency.
Fraschilla's comparison to Korver carries real weight, especially since Stirtz worked out for the Atlanta Hawks during the pre-draft process. Korver played for the Hawks and currently serves as the team's assistant general manager.