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Final Four Run Could Net Stirtz Millions
29 Mar
Summary
- Iowa's Cinderella run reaches Elite Eight for first time since 1987.
- Bennett Stirtz's draft stock could jump to top 10.
- A Final Four berth could increase Stirtz's rookie contract by $7 million.
Iowa's underdog journey through March Madness has captivated fans, with the No. 9-seeded Hawkeyes reaching the Elite Eight for the first time since 1987. They are now just one win away from their first Final Four appearance since 1980.
Guard Bennett Stirtz has been instrumental in this remarkable run. His development has been impressive, evolving from a Division II standout to a mid-major star and now a Big Ten centerpiece. This season, he has averaged 19.7 points and 4.4 assists per game for Iowa.
Stirtz entered the tournament as a projected mid-to-late first-round pick for the 2026 NBA Draft. However, his clutch performances and Iowa's national traction have caught the attention of NBA evaluators. A deep tournament run could propel him into the top 10 picks.
This potential draft position jump carries significant financial implications. The difference between a mid-first-round selection and a lottery pick could exceed $7 million on a rookie deal alone. Iowa's success could turn Stirtz's March into a multimillion-dollar breakthrough.
