Get ready for a basketball season that promises to be nothing short of electrifying, as Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz steps into the Big Ten spotlight with something to prove. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a player who dominated at the Division II level truly make the leap to one of college basketball’s toughest conferences? Stirtz, labeled as part of the 'D-2 Drake' squad last season, is no stranger to skepticism. After transferring to Drake under head coach Ben McCollum, who brought four Division II players with him, Stirtz and his teammates turned doubt into motivation, winning 31 games and earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Now, following McCollum to Iowa City, Stirtz is poised to silence the critics once again.
And this is the part most people miss: While Stirtz has already earned multiple preseason All-Big Ten First Team nominations—a feat he humbly acknowledges—he’s quick to remind everyone that the real test lies on the court. 'I haven’t played a game yet,' he says, emphasizing that preseason honors are just the beginning. With the season just weeks away, Stirtz and teammate Cam Manyawu represented Iowa at the 2025 Big Ten Men's Basketball Media Days in Chicago, where Stirtz made it clear he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder. He’s ready to go all 40 minutes if needed, crediting his summer workouts for building the endurance to stay on the court, not the bench.
What makes this season even more intriguing is Iowa’s offensive strategy. Stirtz boldly claims the team will be 'more lethal' this year, thanks to their arsenal of 'pick and pop' players. However, they’re still finding their identity on offense, focusing on spreading the floor and creating space. Here’s the question that’s sure to spark debate: Can a team still figuring out its offensive rhythm truly dominate in the Big Ten? Stirtz seems to think so, and his confidence is infectious.
As the season tips off, one thing is certain: Stirtz is eager to prove himself in front of a packed Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, his journey is one to watch. What do you think? Is Bennett Stirtz the real deal, or will the Big Ten prove too much for the former D-2 standout? Let us know in the comments—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!
