Hawkeyes getting ready for life after Stirtz: news
13-10-2026
Hawkeyes Basketball: How Iowa Is Preparing for Life After Bennett Stirtz
The Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball program enters the upcoming season facing its biggest tactical challenge yet under head coach Ben McCollum: replacing consensus First-Team All-Big Ten point guard Bennett Stirtz. After orchestrating Iowa’s historic run to the 2026 NCAA Elite Eight and subsequently being selected 16th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, Stirtz leaves behind shoes that are difficult to fill in the Hawkeye backcourt.
A Historic Departure in Iowa City
Stirtz served as the engine of McCollum’s methodical, high-efficiency offensive system. Having played under McCollum across Division II Northwest Missouri State, Drake, and finally Iowa, Stirtz operated with an instinctive command of the playbook. Averaging nearly 20 points, over four assists, and orchestrating crucial late-game possessionsincluding landmark tournament victories over top-tier opponents like Floridahis departure to the Oklahoma City Thunder removes Iowa’s primary floor general and crunch-time scorer.
Backcourt Rebuilding: Transfer Portal and Emerging Talent
To bridge the gap, the Iowa coaching staff has turned to a combination of experienced transfer portal additions and internal development:
Transfer Portal Playmakers: Iowa targeted dynamic ball-handlers capable of running McCollum’s pick-and-roll sets with poise and defensive discipline.
Returning Guards Stepping Up: Backcourt veterans who played complementary roles during last year’s tournament run will see expanded usage rates, shifting from off-ball spot-up threats to secondary facilitators.
Freshman and System Recruits: Incoming recruits will be tasked with speeding up their learning curve, adapting quickly to McCollum’s low-turnover, defensive-first expectations.
Tactical Evolution Under Ben McCollum
Without a singular four-year system veteran running point, Iowa’s offensive identity will likely lean more heavily on balanced floor spacing and frontcourt facilitation. Returning forwards will be asked to handle more high-post passing duties, reducing the burden on a single ball-handler. Defensively, Iowa aims to remain physical and disciplined, relying on collective grit rather than individual brilliance to grind out Big Ten wins.
While the loss of an NBA first-round draft pick inevitably resets expectations, McCollum’s established track record of system-driven success suggests the Hawkeyes have the tactical foundation to remain competitive in a crowded Big Ten title race.