Bennett Stirtz NBA mock draft projection: Where Iowa star is expected to land

March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Iowa's Bennett Stirtz is expected to go in the first round.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the guard's draft night will play out. Bennett Stirtz 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 16 overall, Toronto Raptors All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection Kalbrosky's Analysis: The Raptors could use another guard and should have Bennett Stirtz on their priority list.

After transferring from Division II to a mid-major and then to a high-major program, he is at the top of the class in creating his own shot off the dribble in isolation or the pick and roll. The All-Big Ten guard can also finish plays from dribble handoffs. Stirtz, however, occasionally struggled against highly ranked teams like Iowa State, Illinois, Michigan State and Nebraska.

But the Raptors play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who is doing the same at Iowa. See USA TODAY's full mock draft here Bennett Stirtz player profile (all stats as of March 15) Position: Guard Current Team: Iowa 20 points per game 2. 5 rebounds per game 4.