With just over a week until Iowa men's basketball starts, Hawkeye fans can fill the void with some NBA action!
The Hawkeyes begin their second season under Ben McCollum with an exhibition game against Illinois-Springfield on October 29. The program just missed the top 25 to start the season, coming in at No. 33 overall, but expectations are extremely high after a run to the Elite Eight last season. Before the Hawkeyes begin their 2026-2027 regular season, four former program standouts return to the court during the NBA's opening week.
Luka Garza, center (Boston Celtics)
2025-2026 season averages: 8.1 points, 4.1 rebounds (57.7% FG, 43.3% 3PT)
Former NCAA Player of the Year Luka Garza looks to continue his career resurgence after breaking out for the Celtics last season. Garza signed a two-year deal with the Celtics after spending his first four years with Detroit and Minnesota. Garza was buried on the Minnesota depth chart, and they didn't renew his contract after the 2024-2025 season. Garza carved out a solid role in Boston and is entering the final year of his deal. He averaged a career-high 8.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, shooting 57.7 percent from the field and 43.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Garza's playing time could take a hit with Mitchell Robinson on the roster, but he is expected to be in the mix after the organization traded away many big-contract players.
Next game: Tuesday, October 20 at Detroit Pistons (2:00 p.m. Central Time)
Bennett Stirtz, guard (Oklahoma City Thunder)
2025-2026 season averages (Iowa): 19.8 points, 4.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals (47.7 FG%, 35.8% 3PT)
Although Bennett Stirtz was with the Iowa program for only one season, he made a lasting impression. He guided the Hawkeyes to their first Elite Eight appearance since 1987 and became Iowa's highest draft pick (No. 16 overall) since Keegan Murray in 2022 (No. 4 overall). Stirtz had a stellar summer and preseason, proving why Oklahoma City moved up in the draft to acquire him. Stirtz and fellow rookie Aday Mara look like two potential stars in the making, and their path starts with a tough early matchup against the San Antonio Spurs.
Stirtz is projected to start the season as a reserve, but his stellar offseason play has opened some eyes. He should get time at both point guard and shooting guard, and is ready to contribute wherever he can. Stirtz's biggest impact will come from his shooting and high basketball IQ, and he could make a major impact for a Thunder squad that will be near the top of the Western Conference.
Next game: Tuesday, October 20, at San Antonio (8:20 p.m. Central Time)
Kris Murray, forward (Memphis Grizzlies)
Former Iowa forward Kris Murray joined the Memphis Grizzlies after being traded last season and is looking to start his tenure off the right way. Murray could be fighting for playing time early, with Jerami Grant and recent top draft pick Cameron Boozer joining the squad. Injuries hampered Murray last season, but he still averaged a career-high 5.8 points per game on 46.7 percent shooting from the field. Portland struck while the iron was hot, trading for Ja Morant and including Murray in the deal, giving him a fresh start.
Murray's three-point shooting hasn't carried over to the NBA through this point, but he brings athleticism, defensive versatility, and rebounding, something every organization needs.
Next game: Wednesday, October 21, vs. Utah (7:00 p.m. Central Time)
Keegan Murray, guard/forward (Sacramento Kings)
2025-2026 season averages: 14.0 points, 5.7 rebounds (42% FG, 27.7% 3PT)
After Sacramento selected him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Keegan Murray has had a solid career. He has been overshadowed by other stars on the team, but he could become one of Sacramento's best players. Murray had another solid 2025-2025 season, but his shooting numbers dipped. Murray shot a career-low 42 percent from the field and 27.7 percent from beyond the arc, and will look to fix that this season. Murray should slot in at one of the forward spots and will be the Kings' best defender next season.
The Kings struggled mightily last season, finishing second-to-last in the Western Conference with a 22-60 record, and start the 2026-2027 season on the road.
Next game: Wednesday, October 21, at the Los Angeles Clippers (9:30 p.m. Central Time)
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