2026 NBA Draft: Bennett Stirtz Scouting Report
- Babcock Hoops
- Nov 10
- 3 min read
Throughout the 2025-26 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2026 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Bennett Stirtz
Position:Â Guard
College:Â Iowa
Class:Â Senior
Height/Weight:Â 6'4", 190 lbs
Birthdate:Â October 3, 2003
Previous Colleges: Drake, Northwest Missouri State
High School: Liberty (MO)
Player Overview
Stirtz has taken a unique path to this point, starting his career at the Division II level before transferring to Drake, where he quickly established himself as one of the best guards in college basketball. Now at Iowa with head coach Ben McCollum, he enters the Big Ten stage as a legitimate NBA prospect. A guard with good positional size and an exceptionally high feel for the game, Stirtz is skilled, versatile, and polished. He’s comfortable with the ball in his hands running an offense, but can just as easily slide off the ball and impact the game as a floor-spacer and secondary playmaker. Offensively, he plays with poise and maturity, rarely forcing the action while consistently making the right reads. He’s confident and efficient as a shooter, creative with his handle, and crafty as a finisher. What separates him is his ability to process the game. He plays with an advanced understanding of spacing, timing, and pace, allowing him to control the floor despite not being the most explosive athlete. His steady improvement each step of the way, combined with his skill set and basketball IQ, make him one of the more intriguing guards in this draft class.
"Stirtz’s pathway to this point has been incredible; it’s movie-like. But there’s nothing gimmicky about him. The kid can flat-out play. His ability to process the game and make sound decisions, paired with a high skill level, is exceptional. I’m expecting him to have a big year at Iowa." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Perimeter Shooting:Â Smooth, confident shooter with deep range. Capable of making shots on the move, off the dribble, or in catch-and-shoot situations. His ability to create space with step-backs and pull-ups makes him a difficult cover.
Pick-and-Roll Playmaker: A crafty handler who reads the floor well. Defenses can’t play under against him, and he consistently makes the right play, whether scoring himself or setting up teammates.
Scoring Versatility: Finds ways to score at all three levels. Has a polished floater game and craft around the rim. Doesn’t rely on athleticism but uses touch, timing, and feel to convert.
Off-Ball Impact:Â Understands how to move without the ball. Makes timely cuts and relocates well on the perimeter.
Basketball IQ and Feel:Â Rarely forces the action. Operates with patience and precision, keeping his team organized and playing under control.
Concerns
Athleticism: Not an explosive athlete. Relies more on skill and craft than burst or vertical pop.
Physicality:Â Lean frame and not overly strong, which could limit him against more physical guards at the next level.
Defensive Projection:Â Solid instincts but not a standout defender. Lacks elite quickness laterally and may struggle at times containing NBA guards.
Age and Ceiling:Â Older than many of his peers, raising questions about how much developmental upside remains.
Bottom Line
Stirtz is a skilled, intelligent guard who combines perimeter shooting, playmaking, and offensive versatility with a calm, composed approach. His path from Division II to the Big Ten reflects both steady growth and resilience, and he has the makeup to carve out a role at the next level. While he may not wow with athleticism, his feel for the game, offensive package, and leadership qualities give him a chance to stick in the NBA as a reliable and productive guard.
