Iowa's Stirtz and Jefferson Selected in 2026 NBA Draft
Iowa basketball dominated the national spotlight during the 2026 NBA Draft first round. Former Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz was selected 16th overall, while Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson went 28th. Their selections mark a massive win for the state's college basketball programs and highlight the elite talent developing right here in Iowa.
Iowa Hawkeyes Star Bennett Stirtz Goes No. 16
Bennett Stirtz heard his name called early on draft night. The former 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 rapid rise to the NBA reflects the kind of hard work and dedication that resonates with Iowa fans. His ability to compete at the highest level proves that local talent can go toe-to-toe with players from traditional blue-blood programs.
Iowa State Cyclone Joshua Jefferson Drafted No. 28
Joshua Jefferson brought more good news for the state. The Iowa State forward was selected 28th overall by the Brooklyn Nets. That pick previously belonged to the Minnesota Timberwolves and was acquired by Brooklyn as part of the Julius Randle trade.
Jefferson's transition to the professional ranks gives the Cyclones another strong presence in the NBA. His physical style of play and consistency made him an attractive prospect for a Nets team looking to build through the draft.
How Did the Rest of the First Round Play Out?
While Iowa fans celebrated their local stars, the rest of the first round featured the usual mix of high expectations and surprising trades. The Washington Wizards kicked off the night by selecting AJ Dybantsa, a forward out of Brigham Young, with the first overall pick. Darryn Peterson, a guard from Kansas, went second to the Utah Jazz. Duke forward Cameron Boozer rounded out the top three, heading to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Trade activity shook up the middle and late portions of the draft. The Milwaukee Bucks acquired the 13th pick, Nate Ament out of Tennessee, in a deal involving the Miami Heat. The Los Angeles Lakers also moved into the first round, acquiring Baylor guard Cameron Carr from the New York Knicks.
Other notable selections included North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson going fourth to Chicago, and Illinois guard Keaton Wagler heading to the Los Angeles Clippers at fifth overall.
Which Iowa players were drafted in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft?
Two players with Iowa college ties were selected in the first round. Bennett Stirtz, a guard from the University of Iowa, was the 16th overall pick. Joshua Jefferson, a forward from Iowa State University, was the 28th overall pick.
What teams drafted Bennett Stirtz and Joshua Jefferson?
Bennett Stirtz was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies but was immediately traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Joshua Jefferson was selected by the Brooklyn Nets, who acquired the pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves.