Bennett Stirtz, a 6’4″ guard, has decided to continue his career at Iowa after starring under Ben McCollum at both Northwest Missouri State and Drake. Stirtz thrived in McCollum’s system.

That approach, he said, fast-tracked his growth. Last season at Drake, Stirtz emerged as one of the nation’s most effective offensive weapons, earning Missouri Valley Player of the Year honors. With McCollum now leading Iowa, Stirtz pointed to two key reasons for transferring.

What Convinced Bennett Stirtz To Keep Playing for Ben McCollum at Iowa?

Bennett Stirtz’s path to Iowa has been shaped by both loyalty and opportunity. He has already established himself as one of the most dynamic players in college basketball, averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 steals last season at Drake while shooting 50% from the field and 40% from 3-point range.

Those numbers, along with his ability to score both on and off the ball, made him the Missouri Valley Player of the Year. When head coach Ben McCollum took over at Iowa, Stirtz made the decision to follow, citing two clear reasons.

“Uh, I think just boosting my draft stock and being more happy was the main two things,” Stirtz said on “The Sideline” with Andy Katz. He added, “I think having a great year in the Big Ten and winning a lot of games would help boost my draft stock even more, … and I think just finishing college in my fourth year in college (would) be a lot more happy than being in the NBA without any of the people I started with here.”

For Stirtz, the journey has been remarkable. He reminded Katz that coming out of high school, he had no Division I offers. When asked what he would have thought if someone told him he would be a potential NBA draft pick within four years, Stirtz replied,

“Oh, I wouldn’t have believed you at all. Not even one bit. I think that’s just a testament to coach Mack and how he’s helped my confidence. I think that’s the biggest thing. My confidence has really grown, especially last year.”

As for what Iowa fans can expect, Stirtz acknowledged there will be differences compared to his time at Drake.

“We’re not going to play as slow just because we’ve got a lot more weapons. I don’t really know what we’re going to see because we’re still learning what we’re going to do,” he said. However, according to him, the Hawkeyes will “definitely play some defense” and “just play tougher and try and win every game.”

For Stirtz, staying with McCollum was about more than comfort. It was a calculated step toward the NBA and a chance to finish his college career in an environment where, as he put it, he can “be a lot more happy.”