Ex-Iowa star Bennett Stirtz preparing for next step of unlikely journey

Along with McCollum, Stirtz was a poster child for the revitalization of Iowa men’s basketball. Stirtz made a profound impact on the program in just one season and helped lay a foundation for the future. He has acted as an ambassador for this new era, publicly campaigning for players to come to Iowa after the Hawkeyes’ Elite Eight loss to Illinois.

“It was the first year that that culture has been set and I just wanted to keep it rolling,” Stirtz said. “I love watching the success and I just know the time that the coaching staff’s put in to being successful and to being great. I think the better players they get, the better that they are, obviously. I think it’s good for the interest of the players, too. You’re going to be a better player when you come out of that program.”

Leading up to the NBA Draft Combine, Stirtz had the option to train out of town, but instead decided to spend most of his time in Iowa City, trusting McCollum and director of men’s basketball athletic performance Logan Ogden to help prepare him.

“I knew coach (McCollum) has done it before with some of his other guys,” Stirtz said. “I knew it was going to be a lot harder than being here in Chicago. And then, I also know he knows my body. Even training, I’ve gained eight pounds since the season. So training with coach Ogden and coach (McCollum), I knew that was in the best interest because they know how my body reacts to stuff. They know what I need to get better at.”

After four seasons together — and three schools — it gave the pair even more time together.

“It was a blast,” McCollum said. “I got to yell and scream at him some more, which is great. No, it’s fun. I’ve always enjoyed coaching Bennett. Coaching him a little bit different to get him ready for the NBA is fun and I’m excited to see what he does.”

Stirtz mentioned a couple of NBA players who he sees with similarities to himself: Jamal Murray and Ty Jerome. Murray won an NBA title with the Denver Nuggets in 2023. Jerome, who won a national championship in college at Virginia, was a first-round pick in 2019.

“With Jamal, just how he plays with the ball screen, plays with (Nikola) Jokić,” Stirtz said, “and then Ty Jerome, just how he plays with his pace and how he gets to his spots.”

While Stirtz thrived in a ball-dominant role at Iowa, operating as the Hawkeyes’ main playmaking hub, he believes that he is actually better off the ball, something he wants to showcase. He also said that he feels like he is “the best shooter in this draft.” Stirtz was a standout in the shooting drills at the Combine, unofficially finishing first in spot-up shooting and second in side-mid-side.

It has been quite the journey for Stirtz from Northwest Missouri State. But it isn’t over yet.

“Hopefully, I can show that I can play in this league for a long time,” Stirtz said. “Wouldn’t have believed myself at a young age that I was going to be here. But I’m here now and full steam ahead.”

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This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Bennett Stirtz preparing for next step of unlikely basketball journey