#14 Bennett Stirtz Season 2025-26

2024-25 Honors at Drake -- Field of 68 first-team All-America... Andy Katz third-team All-America... Associated Press honorable mention All-America... USBWA honorable mention All-America... NABC All-Central District first team... finalist for Lou Henson Award for top mid-major player... finalist for Riley Wallace Award as most impactful transfer... MVC Larry Bird Player of the Year... MVC Newcomer of the Year... MVC Tournament Doug Elgin Outstanding Player... first-team All-MVC selection... All-MVC Newcomer team... MVP Charleston Classic.... MVC Player of the Week (Nov. 25, Jan. 27, Feb. 24)... MVC Newcomer of the Week (Feb. 3, Feb. 10).... preseason All-MVC third team.  2024-25 -- Missouri Valley Conference Larry Bird Player Of the Year & MVC Newcomer of Year after leading league in scoring (19.2 avg.), steals (2.21 avg.) and assist/turnover ration (2.86), while ranking second in assists (5.7 avg.)… led NCAA in minutes played per game (39:22)… became first player in MVC history ever to achieve 600 points (673), 200 assists (200) and 70 steals (712) in a season — also was only player in NCAA in 2024-25 to record that feat… tied Drake NCAA Tournament record for most career 20-plus scoring games after netting 21 against Missouri and Texas Tech... named outstanding player in MVC Tournament after averaging 21 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.6 steals in three games, including back-to-back 24-point contests in semifinal and championship games, matching season-high with five treys in title game… had MVC league-high 20 20+ scoring games… recorded 11 double-doubles… scored in double figures in 33 of 35 games, totaling 20-plus points in 12 of his last 15 games... joined legendary Oscar Robertson as only players in MVC history to collect 30 points and 12-plus assists in a game when he went for 30 points and had 12 assists at UIC… also one of two players in NCAA to achieve that feat this season… first player in Drake history to collect 600-plus points and 200 assists in same season… ranked No. 2 on Drake's single-season assist list (200) and No. 4 on school's single-season scoring list at 673... honored as MVC Player of Week after averaging 18 points, 7.7 assists and 5.0 rebounds to be named tournament MVP of Charleston Classic… had 22 points vs. Kansas State, including eight of team’s 10 points in overtime, making game-winning shot with 3.5 seconds left… had 30 points, five assists, four rebounds at Southern Illinois… collected 26 points and 10 rebounds in overtime win at UNI, making season-high five 3-point field goals.

At Northwest Missouri State (2021-22; 2022-23) -- Two-time second-team all-league selection… named 2022-23 MIAA Freshman of the Year, while averaging 12.6 points, while recording most steals by any NCAA Division II freshman (65)... had 27 starts while leading league in field goal percentage (.601) and assist-to-turnover radio (2.28)… ranked No. 16 in nation in steals (65)… named to MIAA All-Tournament team after leading Bearcats to title… as a sophomore in 2023-24 started all 34 games, ranking second on team in scoring (15.2) while being named to Central Region All-Tournament team… had 11 20-point scoring games…scored a career-high 29 points vs. Southwest Minnesota State… played 40 or more minutes on eight occasions… had 25 points and a season-high eight assists in MIAA Tournament title game vs. Pittsburg State.

High School -- Two-time Missouri Class 6 all-state selection at Liberty High School… averaged 18.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, four assists and 2.5 steals as senior, leading team to 25-3 record... named Suburban Gold Conference Player of Year… led Liberty to a second-place finish in 2021 Missouri Class 6 state championship… high school coach was his father, Roger.

 

 

WHAT THEY WERE SAYING DURING 2024-25 SEASON

"He’s so good that NBA scouts are starting to take notice. And college basketball is taking notice of the Bulldogs...Stirtz is as unassuming a star as you’ll find. He never celebrates a made bucket. He’s quiet off the floor. But in that overtime (Kansas State), Stirtz wanted the ball and he wasn’t going to let the Bulldogs lose. Against the school he had dreamed of playing for, Stirtz realized the fact that he was being face-guarded meant the Wildcats didn’t think they could guard him, and he started to believe it himself."

CJ Moore, The Athletic

"Stirtz is on my All-American team. His story, and his season, have been incredible." 

Jeff Goodman, Field of 68 basketball analyst 

"Stirtz has emerged as a legitimate NBA talent in his first season at Drake...His ability to improve at the rate he has the past few years speaks volumes to his work ethic and future upside...... There's no question that Stirtz has the tools to make an impact at the next level. 

"The sharpshooting guard is best known for his perimeter shot. Not only does he take triples at a high volume, but he’s also accurate and able to shoot on the move. Stirtz is also very good at getting to the line and creating his own shot off the dribble. He’s a natural scorer who has proven he can make plays with the ball in his hands in the Missouri Valley Conference. Stirtz is an offensive engine with his scoring upside and very impressive passing skill set." 

Sports Illustrated

"Bennett Stirtz is MUST SEE TV. He gets buckets all over the place...tough shot maker.. a lot like Steph Curry.  I was watching him play in the MVC Tournament championship saying 'that's a terrible shot' and he's making them like it's just a pull-up jumper with nobody in his face."

Wally Szczerbiak, CBS Sports Network

"Skilled, crafty and very efficient, Stirtz has emerged as a legit NBA prospect. He's a guard who can play on or off the ball, has good handles and a really good feel on the offensive end. Has a smooth, consistent outside shot and hits about 40 percent from downtown. Can hit shots on the move and off the dribble. Has a nice step-back jumper.

"His great feel shows up with his cutting ability and off-ball movement. He's a talented finisher in the paint with either hand and has a nice runner and floater game. Mostly a below the rim player. Finds teammates well and does a really good job of finding the open man. Makes a lot of smart passes and doesn't try to do too much. Has a great assist to turnover ratio."

NBA Draft Room