College basketball’s transfer portal landscape has been shaken by discussions about what Bennett Stirtz could have commanded if he had remained in the portal for other programs. The Drake to Iowa transfer followed his coach Ben McCollum, making him unavailable to other suitors.
Analysts have speculated about Stirtz’s potential market value, had he explored options beyond Iowa considering PJ Haggerty’s $2.5 million deal with Kansas State. The 6’4″ point guard’s combination of production leadership and immediate impact capability positioned him as a highly valuable transfer asset.
Jeff Goodman Speculates on Stirtz’s Portal Value
Field of 68 host Jeff Goodman reinforced this assessment stating “I say it all the time. If Bennett had put his name in the portal I mean think about the money. I mean again some of these guys are making three – four million. I will say this he’s worth as much as any player in the country.”
OFF THE CAROUSEL! @GoodmanHoops talks with new @IowaHoops head coach Ben McCollum about the expectations for the Hawkeyes! | PRESENTED BY @BetMGM https://t.co/HN8QPXJAAF
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) May 28, 2025
The valuation stems from Stirtz’s exceptional 2024-25 campaign, where he averaged 19.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.2 steals per game while shooting 60.5% true shooting and 38.6% from three-point range. He earned All-American honors while leading Drake to another NCAA Tournament appearance.
Stirtz set multiple records at Drake, including single-season scoring and became the only player in NCAA history with over 600 points 200 assists and 70 steals in a single season. His March Madness performances including consecutive 21-point games further boosted his profile among NBA scouts.
Jeff Goodman highlighted Stirtz’s loyalty stating “The fact that he texted me, I think immediately like, I literally think it was like you got the job and he texted me like maybe the next day, I don’t know what it was and he’s like yeah I’m coming. I’m following coach.”
He further highlighted Stirtz’s character stating “And I’m like you’re going to make a big announcement or anything. He’s like no no no. Just tweet it out for me. Like I don’t care.”
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McCollum praised the loyalty of his Drake transfers stating “But those guys also understand, kind of that relationship piece, that loyalty piece that we experienced together and we’re much better. We’re better together. That’s kind of us.”
Stirtz’s decision to follow McCollum to Iowa rather than test the open market demonstrates the loyalty that made him such a coveted prospect. His commitment to his coach over potential financial gain has positioned Iowa as immediate Big Ten contenders with a proven winner leading their backcourt.
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