Former Iowa superstar Bennett Stirtz is truly living the dream after his NBA dreams became a reality.
The Memphis Grizzlies selected Stirtz with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft before promptly shipping him to the Oklahoma City Thunder during a pick swap. Stirtz landed in a perfect destination, as he has the chance not only to play for a championship-caliber team but also to make an immediate impact.
Stirtz did not have an easy journey, working his way up from Division II to mid-major to the Big Ten, and an important figure who was with him every step of the way could not be happier for everything that he's accomplished.
McCollum was gushing about Stirtz after his NBA Draft selection
Most Hawkeye fans know the lore behind the McCollum-Stirtz relationship, and it has proven to be extremely mutually beneficial. McCollum took a chance on a skinny kid from Liberty, Missouri, seeing what everyone missed. Stirtz made an immediate impact as a freshman for Northwest Missouri State and has been a starter ever since.
McCollum has been with Stirtz throughout his college career at Northwest Missouri State (2021-2023), Drake (2024-2025), and Iowa (2025-2026), and was extremely happy about everything he has accomplished.
“Couldn’t be more proud.” 🥹
— Iowa Men's Basketball (@IowaHoops) June 24, 2026
🗣️ Ben McCollum on @bennett_stirtz going No. 16 overall to @okcthunder! pic.twitter.com/7cL0ltcPdX
McCollum was in New York for the Draft alongside Stirtz and his family, and said he couldn't be prouder of him. He also said that Stirtz has earned everything he has gotten, and he laid the foundation for success for the Iowa program. Stirtz played a central role in putting Iowa men's basketball back on the map, and now he has a chance to make a name for himself in the NBA.
Oklahoma City doesn't waste draft picks, and there is a reason they moved up to acquire Stirtz. It shows the organization truly believes in what he is capable of, and they wanted him on the squad. The Thunder were already stacked with talent, and Stirtz adds to that. Everyone is excited to see what he can do, and they are praising the Thunder for moving up to get him. Now it's on Stirtz to prove what he can do.
Stirtz is keenly aware of the pressure and is ready to get to work right away so he can do whatever the Thunder ask of him. McCollum singing Stirtz's praises isn't a surprise, and it will give him a boost before his rookie season with the ultra-talented Oklahoma City Thunder.
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