Iowa's Bennett Stirtz Named Among Safest 2026 NBA Draft Picks
Iowa Hawkeyes standout Bennett Stirtz has been recognized as one of the six safest picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, according to a new analysis from The Sporting News. Stirtz, who led Iowa to the Elite Eight this past season, is projected as a high-floor prospect whose intelligence, passing, and efficient scoring make him a reliable bet for a long NBA career.
Why Bennett Stirtz Is a Safe Bet for the NBA
Stirtz's journey to the NBA Draft is a story of hard work paying off. He started his college career at the Division II level before transferring to Iowa, where he became the offensive engine for a team that prioritized a deliberate, slow-paced system. Even without elite surrounding talent, Stirtz averaged more than 21 points per game as a senior and shot the ball efficiently against top competition.
The Sporting News analysis notes that while Stirtz might not become a star at the professional level, his intangibles and skill set point to a quality career. A very smart player and excellent passer, Stirtz can overcome a lack of elite athleticism and be a quality NBA point guard for the next decade-plus.
For Iowa fans, Stirtz represents everything you want in a player. He grinded his way up from Division II, proved himself on the big stage, and showed the kind of grit and determination that translates to success at the next level. In a draft class full of question marks, Stirtz offers certainty.
Who Else Made the List of Safest Picks?
The 2026 NBA Draft class features several prospects who bring similar reliability. Here is a look at the other five players who made the cut.
Cameron Boozer, Duke
Boozer is considered near-lock to have a long and successful NBA career. In most drafts, he might be the No. 1 overall pick. The only thing holding him back this year is the presence of potential superstars AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, plus some concerns about his athleticism against bigger and stronger players. Even so, Boozer is likely too skilled and too versatile to be anything other than a franchise cornerstone.
AJ Dybantsa, BYU
There might be debate about Dybantsa's ceiling, but there should not be any debate about his ability to be a franchise cornerstone. He enters the league with an unbelievable offensive profile and a tremendous blend of size and athleticism. What kind of shooter he becomes will be key, but even if his shot development stalls, the rest of his game is so polished that he is as safe as any prospect this year.
Aday Mara, Michigan
At 7-foot-3 barefoot, Mara anchored Michigan's defense this past season, consistently disrupting shots in the paint and averaging 2.6 blocks per game. He also made significant progress offensively, shooting close to 67 percent with the Wolverines. Mara has questions to answer about his quickness given his massive frame, but he is a near-lock to have a productive career in some form.
Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
Wilson is generally considered part of the second tier of prospects after Dybantsa, Peterson, and Boozer, but the gap is not massive. While there are questions about his strength as he tries to bulk up a thin frame, his skill set is terrific. Wilson proved to be a dynamic scorer even without being much of a 3-point shooter, and his effort level on defense was impressive for a freshman. It would be a major surprise if his skillset and work ethic did not translate to a long, successful NBA career.
Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
Anderson is entering the league at an ideal time, following an undersized Jalen Brunson's championship run. Anderson likely does not have the strength to get to the basket like Brunson, but all that keeps him out of the lottery is his size. A tremendous shooter with a high basketball IQ and high motor, Anderson is too talented not to at least carve out a quick role off the bench and could become a long-term starter in an NBA backcourt.
What Makes Stirtz Stand Out for Iowa Fans?
While the national media focuses on the big names at the top of the draft board, Iowa fans know exactly what they are losing in Stirtz. He carried the Hawkeyes offense, made everyone around him better, and never backed down from the moment. That is the kind of player who sticks around the NBA for a long time.
In a draft where teams are often forced to choose between high-risk, high-ceiling prospects and reliable players who may never become stars, Stirtz falls squarely in the latter category. For an NBA franchise looking for a steady hand at point guard, that is exactly the kind of bet worth making.
Will Bennett Stirtz Have a Long NBA Career?
Based on his college production, basketball IQ, and track record of overcoming limitations, Stirtz is widely considered a high-floor prospect. Analysts project him as a quality NBA point guard who could play for a decade or more, even if he does not reach All-Star status.
Where Is Bennett Stirtz Projected in the 2026 NBA Draft?
Stirtz is not projected as a lottery pick, but his reliability and proven production against top competition make him an attractive option for teams in the late first round or early second round who want a player they can trust to contribute right away.