Iowa Basketball's Bennett Stirtz Picked 16th in NBA Draft, Then Traded
- On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the Oklahoma City Thunder selected 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara with the 12th overall pick and acquired guard Bennett Stirtz via trade with the Memphis Grizzlies.
- A program-first milestone occurred as three Michigan Wolverines—Morez Johnson Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg, and Mara—were selected in the first round, marking the first time three Wolverines were lottery picks in a single draft.
- Mara anchored Michigan's defense with a program-record 103 blocks, while Stirtz shot 47.7% from the field and offers Oklahoma City versatile playmaking and efficient perimeter shooting.
- Oklahoma City's frontcourt rotation will now feature Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren alongside the rookies, providing developmental depth while maintaining future salary-cap flexibility for the championship-contending core.
- The Thunder's additions prioritize defensive rim protection and roster versatility, positioning these rookies to support Oklahoma City's pursuit of a championship after the team reached the Western Conference Finals.
68 Articles
68 Articles
Michigan Sends Three to Top 12 of NBA Draft After Title Run
Photo: Brad Penner ~ Imagn ImagesAnn Arbor, Mich. ~ Michigan’s national championship run carried straight into the NBA spotlight Tuesday night, as three Wolverines heard their names called early in the 2026 NBA Draft. Michigan placed three players in the top 12, a reflection of how dominant Dusty May’s roster in Ann Arbor truly was. The trio of forward Morez Johnson Jr., forward Yaxel Lendeborg and center Aday Mara didn’t just win games this pas…
Bennett Stirtz selected 16th overall in NBA Draft
Bennett Stirtz is the newest Iowa Hawkeye basketball player to make it to the NBA. Tuesday night, Stirtz was selected 16th by the Memphis Grizzlies and then traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In his lone season at Iowa, Stirtz led the Hawkeyes in points, assists, and steals. Prior to his time at Iowa, Stirtz [...]
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