Iowa's Bennett Stirtz dazzled in March Madness, showcasing elite playmaking and scoring. Would this point guard's skills translate to Brooklyn's style of play?
With the Brooklyn Nets possessing the top odds at the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, the team has a big opportunity to improve through one of the deepest incoming classes in recent memory.
On Nets Roundtable, we have covered various prospects for the Nets, including the Arizona freshman duo of Brayden Burries and Koa Peat, Duke's Cameron Boozer and Arkansas guard Darius Acuff, just to name a few.
In this profile, we will be highlighting Iowa point guard Bennett Stirtz, who had one of the most impressive March Madness showings of any 2026 prospect.
Floor General
Stirtz dominated the Big 10 in his lone season with the Hawkeyes, averaging 19.8 points, 4.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game.
The Drake transfer followed his former head coach, Ben McCollum to Iowa, where the two put on a strong-debut season.
Stirtz was the engine that made Iowa's offense run, as he dominates the ball, but still makes an emphasis to get his teammates involved.
He became the first Iowa player in 26 years to lead the team in scoring, assists and steals, while also standing alone as the only Hawkeye to ever record 700-plus points, 100-plus assists and 50 or more steals in a season.
March Madness Run
Stirtz and the Hawkeyes were the most surprising team in the field of 64, defying their 10-seed ranking and making it all the way to the Elite 8.
In Iowa's first two matchups, Stirtz struggled from the field, shooting a combined 9-33.
But, he still managed to contribute by getting to the free-throw line and playing solid defense on opposing guards.
In the Hawkeyes' first true upset of the tournament, a 73-72 victory over the defending national champion Florida Gators in the second round, Stirtz found stretch big man Alvaro Folgueiras in the corner for the game-winning three.
In their following two games, Stirtz found his groove for the Hawkeyes, recording back-to-back 20-plus point outings and knocking down three or more 3-pointers in each matchup.
Durability
Outside of Stirtz's big-time plays in March, his durability was perhaps the most impressive skill he showed.
Stirtz recorded 40 minutes played in all four of Iowa's March Madness matchups, getting better as the tournament wore on.
In the Hawkeyes' Elite 8 loss to Illinois, Stirtz had his best showing, scoring 24 points while adding three assists and three rebounds.
His ability to improve throughout the tournament despite playing every minute of every game shows his competitive spirit and will to win.
NBA Range
Stirtz possesses NBA-range. He is frequently pulling up from multiple steps behind the college 3-point line.
At Iowa, Stirtz averaged 2.5 3-point makes per game, shooting at a 35.8-percent clip.
Being the No. 1 option, Stirtz still found open looks using crafty dribble moves and screen manipulation.
Stirtz excels in the pick and roll action, frequently making the right read or pulling up for his own jumpshot.
Are Nets a Fit?
The Nets backcourt desperately needs shooting as Egor Demin and Nolan Traore have shown inconsistent flashes of efficiency from beyond the arc.
Stirtz would instantly provide Brooklyn with a point guard that plays well above his rookie standing.
ESPN's latest mock has Stirtz drafted at the No. 21 overall pick, however he could rise in the draft throughout the offseason and the combine.
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