Iowa basketball fans have plenty of reasons to be excited this offseason—and not just about the action on the gridiron. While the Hawkeyes' football program often steals the spotlight, the men's basketball team is making serious noise in NBA draft conversations, led by their standout point guard, Bennett Stirtz.

Stirtz has been turning heads across the league, and according to the latest mock draft from CBS Sports, he's projected to hear his name called in the first round. Specifically, the mock has him going to the Charlotte Hornets with the No. 18 overall pick. That's a huge vote of confidence for a player who only spent one season in the Big Ten after transferring to Iowa.

What makes Stirtz such an intriguing prospect? CBS Sports analyst Adam Finkelstein describes him as a "highly skilled true point guard with an elite feel for the game." While he may not be an overwhelming athlete or lockdown defender, Stirtz makes up for it with his basketball IQ, reliability, and ability to be in the right place at the right time. His game DNA, Finkelstein notes, aligns perfectly with what Charlotte prioritized in last year's draft.

On the court this season, Stirtz was nothing short of dynamic. As the engine of Iowa's offense, he averaged an impressive 19.5 points, 5.0 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game. His shooting efficiency was equally notable—48.7% from the field and 37.2% from beyond the arc. Whether running the offense or taking the clutch shot late in the shot clock, Stirtz proved he's the kind of player teams can lean on when it matters most.

As the 2026 NBA Draft approaches—set for Tuesday, June 23, and airing on ABC—all eyes will be on Stirtz and his first-round potential. For Iowa fans, it's another reminder that the Hawkeyes are producing talent ready to compete at the highest level.