Bennett Stirtz will follow his longtime head coach, Ben McCollum, to the University of Iowa. Stirtz, who played for McCollum at both Northwest Missouri State and Drake, confirmed his decision to transfer to the Hawkeyes.
Before committing fully, he plans to test the NBA Draft waters while maintaining his college eligibility. Stirtz’s decision marks another significant step in his basketball career, as he moves from the mid-major level to the highly competitive Big Ten Conference.
Stirtz Emerges as a Dominant Scorer and Key Playmaker for Iowa Basketball
Stirtz, a 6-foot-4 guard from Liberty, Missouri, has been a standout player in McCollum’s system throughout his college career. He was a key contributor at Northwest Missouri State before following McCollum to Drake in 2024. In his junior season, Stirtz thrived at the Division I level, earning Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year honors.
He averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game while shooting an impressive 39.5% from three-point range. His ability to consistently score in double figures and deliver clutch performances made him a crucial piece for Drake.
Bennett Stirtz (NBA)Stirtz’s standout performances, including a 30-point, 12-assist game against Illinois Chicago, helped generate NBA Draft interest. Analysts praise his efficient scoring, high basketball IQ, and playmaking ability. While not an elite athlete by NBA standards, he is known for his smooth shooting stroke, strong court vision, and ability to play both on and off the ball.
His step-back jumper, off-ball movement, and finishing skills in the paint make him a well-rounded offensive threat. Despite this, Stirtz is expected to return to college for his final season and play under McCollum at Iowa.
Stirtz Brings Leadership and Winning Mentality to Iowa’s Rebuilding Basketball Program
With Iowa’s roster undergoing significant changes following the departure of head coach Fran McCaffery, Stirtz provides McCollum with a reliable leader and a proven winner. His experience playing in McCollum’s system will be invaluable as the Hawkeyes transition under new leadership.
Stirtz’s track record of success—compiling a 91-12 record over three seasons under McCollum—suggests he will play a central role in Iowa’s rebuild. His scoring ability and familiarity with McCollum’s offensive and defensive schemes make him a natural fit for the new-look Hawkeyes.
This move represents the next step in Stirtz’s rapid rise from a zero-star recruit to a key player in the Big Ten. He has already shown his ability to thrive after transitioning from Division II to Division I, and now he will look to make an impact in one of college basketball’s toughest conferences.
McCollum has a history of successfully reshaping rosters, as seen during his tenure at Drake. With Stirtz as a focal point, Iowa will aim to replicate the success McCollum achieved at his previous stops, making this an exciting new chapter for both coach and player.
