For Bennett Stirtz, the question he now faces is not one of whether he will be playing in the NBA, but for what NBA team he will be playing for. After a dynamic year leading the Iowa Hawkeyes to an Elite 8 trip and running the offense to perfection, the point guard is destined for the NBA.
Entering the year, Stirtz was facing questions regarding whether he could adapt to the Big Ten and play against the top talent every night. He quickly quieted any of those doubts and proved himself as one of the best guards not just in the Big Ten, but all of college basketball.
His quick adjustment and standout success were noted by NBA teams, and in CBS Sports’ mock draft, Stirtz is going off the board in the first round. CBS mocks Bennett Stirtz to the Oklahoma City Thunder at pick No. 17 in the first round.
Round 1 – Pick 17 – Oklahoma City Thunder
Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
This is a bit against the grain for OKC in terms of what they typically look for with body types and physicality, but he is one of the best shooters in the draft and would add to the spacing they have around their Big 3 of SGA, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. He also checks a lot of boxes when it comes to feel, character and competitiveness, all of which could further persuade the Thunder. – Adam Finkelstein
Bennett Stirtz would be walking into a fantastic situation should this mock draft hold. He would be joining a young, contending, fun NBA team fresh off winning the 2025 NBA Finals. The Thunder currently sit at 64-18 overall, good enough for first in the West.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire : Iowa basketball guard Bennett Stirtz to NBA contender in mock draft
Reporting by Riley Donald, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
