After Iowa's brutal loss to Minnesota earlier this week, the program got some good news about star guard Bennett Stirtz.
During the loss to Minnesota, Stirtz was held to zero points in the first half after sitting on the bench for most of the half due to foul trouble.
He exploded for 21 points in the second half, but it wasn't enough as Iowa has now fallen to 0-3 in true road games this season.
To say that Stirtz was unhappy with the loss might be an understatement, and he made a startling revelation after the game.
After the loss, Stirtz said the team gets "so negative" when it's down, especially on the road. They have not found ways to remain positive through those moments.
Even though most likely said that out of frustration, that is not something Hawkeyes fans want to hear before a crucial stretch of games against No. 16 Illinois and No. 5 Purdue.
The Hawkeyes have a chance to get back on track with a pivotal home game against Illinois this weekend, and before the matchup, Stirtz was named to a prestigious midseason watchlist.
1 of 25 👀@bennett_stirtz was named to the midseason top-25 watch list for the @WoodenAward! pic.twitter.com/8haeqgyzFd
— Iowa Men’s Basketball (@IowaHoops) January 7, 2026
Stirtz is one of only 25 players to be named to the Wooden Award midseason top-25 watchlist as he continues to showcase his ability with a Power Four team.
The Wooden Award is presented annually to the best player in men and women's college basketball.
Through Iowa's first 15 games of the season, Stritz is leading the team in points (18.0), assists (5.0), and steals (1.7) per game.
He is also the only player on the squad averaging double figures in points per game this season.
Stirtz has a chance to become Iowa's second Wooden Award recipient
Former Iowa star Luka Garza was unstoppable during the 2021 season, leading the nation in total points (747), made field goals, player efficiency rating (35.84), 30-point games (8), and 20-point games (22).
After the season, he became Iowa's first recipient of the Wooden Award, and not Bennet Stirtz is trying to become the second.
Before the 2025-2026 regular season began, ESPN projected that Stirtz would be taken in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, and he is living up to that hype.
Stirtz has the spotlight on him every game, and while is hasn't been completely flawless, he is pushing Iowa to heights they have not seen in many years.
Without Stirtz, Iowa would have nowhere near the success it has right now, and when it is all said and done, he should be one of the top choices for the coveted Wooden Award.