In a move that reshapes the landscape of Iowa basketball, junior point guard Bennett Stirtz announced his decision to enter the transfer portal and commit to Iowa.
The announcement comes just one day after Ben McCollum was named the Hawkeyes’ new head coach on March 24, 2025 signaling a powerful player coach reunion that highlights their strong basketball bond.
MVC Dominance to Big Ten Challenge
Stirtz, the reigning Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, follows McCollum after a breakout season at Drake that saw him average 19.2 points per game while shooting an impressive 49.8% from the field. His decision to follow his coach to Iowa City represents one of the most significant transfers in this year’s portal window.
Stirtz’s stellar 2024-2025 campaign established him as the MVC’s premier player. The dynamic guard averaged 19.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game while shooting nearly 40% from three-point range. His versatility as a scorer and playmaker made him the cornerstone of Drake’s offense.
Drake PG and MVC POY Bennett Stirtz is following Ben McCollum to Iowa, per @GoodmanHoops
Stirtz averaged 19.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.7 APG, and played the most MPG in the country.
Incredible get for the Hawkeyes. pic.twitter.com/doWKYprorY
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) March 25, 2025
McCollum believes Stirtz’s talents will translate seamlessly to the Big Ten, calling him a “big-time scorer” who could push for over 20 points per game in the competitive conference. Stirtz’s efficient shooting and playmaking ability position him as an immediate impact player in Iowa’s backcourt.
NCAA Tournament Heroics
Stirtz’s national profile rose dramatically during Drake’s NCAA Tournament run. In the Bulldogs’ first-round upset over sixth-seeded Missouri, he dominated with 21 points on 8 of 11 shooting, including a perfect 3 for 3 from beyond the arc, while adding three assists.
His performance was particularly impressive in the first half where he nearly outscored Missouri by himself. Stirtz tallied 14 points while the Tigers managed just 23 as a team. His one legged three pointer to halt a Missouri run showcased both his shooting touch and clutch performance ability.
The transfer will represent a significant boost for Iowa, which hasn’t reached the Sweet 16 since 1999. McCollum’s arrival and Stirtz’s commitment signal a new era for the program after Fran McCaffery’s 15-year tenure ended with a 17-16 record and 12th place Big Ten finish.
While Iowa gains a proven scorer, Drake faces the challenge of replacing both its coach and star player. The Bulldogs’ 31-4 season included both MVC regular-season and tournament titles before their eventual NCAA Tournament loss to Texas Tech in the Round of 32.
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Though no other Drake players had entered the portal as of March 24, Stirtz’s departure could trigger further roster movement.
Iowa returners Josh Dix, Pryce Sandfort, Owen Freeman, and Brock Harding now gain an elite backcourt partner in Stirtz. The combination of McCollum’s defensive system and Stirtz’s offensive firepower could finally help the Hawkeyes breakthrough in March Madness after years of early exits under McCaffery.
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