Iowa's Stirtz Headlines 2026 NBA Draft Prospects
The 2026 NBA Draft is loaded with talent, and Iowa basketball fans have plenty of reasons to tune in. Former Hawkeye guard Bennett Stirtz leads the Iowa contingent as the No. 18 overall prospect, while Iowa State contributors Joshua Jefferson and Tamin Lipsey also landed inside the top 100. The draft airs at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
What makes Bennett Stirtz a first-round prospect?
Stirtz transferred from Drake to Iowa and proved he could compete at the highest level of college basketball. He runs an offense with bullseye passes, crafty pump-fakes, and a shooting touch that extends well beyond the NBA three-point line. The one question scouts keep asking is whether his game can withstand the physicality and speed of the professional level. If he adjusts, he has the skill set to thrive as both a floor general and an off-ball connector.
What stands out about Stirtz is his feel for the game. He processes the floor faster than everyone else on the court, making reads that simpler players never see coming. In an era where teams value efficiency and decision-making, Stirtz brings the kind of high-IQ approach that winning organizations covet.
Which Iowa State players made the big board?
Iowa State senior forward Joshua Jefferson checked in at No. 38. He is the kind of player who does the dirty work that often goes unnoticed outside the locker room. He sets crushing screens, finishes inside, and brings the defensive intensity that championship teams require.
Iowa State senior guard Tamin Lipsey landed at No. 75. Lipsey has been a steady presence for the Cyclones, bringing toughness and reliability to the backcourt. Both players represent the blue-collar work ethic that Iowa fans appreciate.
Who are the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft?
Duke freshman forward Cameron Boozer sits at No. 1. The son of two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer averaged a dominant season for the Blue Devils, winning the Naismith Player of the Year and leading Duke to 35 wins. He scores from the post, hits 40 percent of his three-pointers, and can run offense as a point forward. The only concern is whether his lack of elite vertical athleticism will limit him against longer NBA defenders.
Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson ranks No. 2. He is a smooth scorer with a 6-foot-10 wingspan who can defend multiple positions. The red flag is his health. He missed 11 of 35 games and pulled himself out of others due to cramping issues, leaving front offices with serious questions about his availability.
BYU freshman forward AJ Dybantsa comes in at No. 3. He led the nation with 25.5 points per game and broke Danny Ainge's 48-year-old BYU freshman scoring record with a 43-point explosion. He gets to the rim at will and draws fouls at a high rate. If he develops a consistent outside shot, he could become one of the most unstoppable scorers in the NBA.
Which draft prospects have the most compelling stories?
Houston freshman guard Kingston Flemings survived being hit by a car at age 4, an experience that left him with a fractured hip, a punctured spleen, and road rash. He says the accident changed his outlook on life, and his relentless effort on the court reflects that perspective. He ranks No. 10.
Michigan senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg, at No. 17, was kept off his high school varsity team due to poor grades. He went the junior college route, then transferred to UAB, then pulled out of the draft, returned for one more year at Michigan, and won a national championship. He kept improving every time the competition got harder. He will be 24 as a rookie, but his 7-foot-3 wingspan and genuine handle give him real NBA potential.
What should Iowa fans watch for on draft night?
All eyes will be on where Stirtz lands. A first-round selection would mark a significant milestone for the Iowa program and validate his decision to transfer from Drake. Jefferson and Lipsey could also hear their names called, giving the state strong representation in this loaded draft class.
The 2026 draft features one of the deepest talent pools in recent memory. From generational scorers like Boozer and Dybantsa to hard-nosed competitors like Stirtz and Jefferson, NBA teams will have no shortage of options when building for the future.
Will an Iowa player go in the first round?
Bennett Stirtz is the most likely Iowa player to be selected in the first round. At No. 18 on the final big board, his elite court vision and shooting touch make him an attractive option for teams seeking a high-IQ floor leader.
How many Iowa players are in the 2026 NBA Draft?
Three players with Iowa college connections appear in the top 100 rankings. Bennett Stirtz from Iowa sits at No. 18, while Iowa State seniors Joshua Jefferson and Tamin Lipsey rank No. 38 and No. 75 respectively.