“I think if you want to be a great point guard, you should come to Iowa,” said Bennett Stirtz, reflecting on his time with the Iowa Hawkeyes after their impressive run in the 2026 NCAA tournament. Stirtz’s performance was pivotal as he played all 40 minutes in each of Iowa’s four tournament games, leading the team to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1987.
During the tournament, Iowa showcased a remarkable turnaround, finishing with a record of 24-13. The team had not reached the Sweet 16 since 1999, making their journey particularly significant for fans and players alike. Stirtz’s contributions were instrumental, as he not only demonstrated stamina by playing every minute of the tournament until the Elite Eight but also delivered crucial points and assists throughout.
In the Elite Eight matchup against the Illinois Fighting Illini, Stirtz scored 24 points, though Iowa ultimately fell short with a final score of 71-59. This marked a bittersweet moment for Stirtz, who played 39 minutes and 32 seconds in the game, his first in the tournament where he did not play a full 40 minutes. After the game, he expressed his disappointment, stating, “It’s unfortunate. There’s a lot of emotions going through my head and going through all of our heads right now. It’s a tough pill to swallow. You just don’t want to be done.”
Despite the loss, Stirtz’s performance throughout the tournament earned him a spot on the South Region All-Region Team. He finished the season with a total of 734 points, marking the fourth-most in a single season in Iowa program history, alongside 163 assists. His leadership on the court was evident, and he credited his teammates for their support, saying, “This wouldn’t have been possible without everyone in my corner and all these teammates that I’ve had throughout the years.”
Stirtz’s journey at Iowa came under the guidance of head coach Ben McCollum, who was hired in March 2025. Under McCollum’s leadership, the team has shown significant improvement, culminating in their deep NCAA tournament run. Stirtz’s record at Iowa stands at an impressive 115-25, reflecting both his skill and the team’s overall success during his tenure.
As the season concludes, Stirtz’s future remains a topic of interest. He has proven himself as a standout player, and many are eager to see how his career will progress beyond college basketball. His determination and skill have set a high bar for future Iowa point guards, and he has left a lasting impact on the program.
Looking ahead, Iowa fans are hopeful that the foundation laid by Stirtz and his teammates will lead to more successful seasons in the future. The team has shown that they can compete at a high level, and with the right recruitment and development, they may soon find themselves back in the tournament spotlight. The journey of Bennett Stirtz will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant chapter in Iowa basketball history.
