In a thrilling announcement, the University of Iowa's basketball program is making headlines with a standout player's exceptional recognition. Iowa's Bennett Stirtz has been voted onto the prestigious preseason All-Big Ten team, leaving fans and analysts alike in awe. But this isn't the first time the Hawkeyes have dominated the spotlight.
The Hawkeyes have a rich history of producing top-tier talent, as evidenced by their consistent presence on the preseason All-Big Ten team. In six of the past seven seasons, they've had a player selected, including notable alumni like Joe Wieskamp (2019), Luka Garza (2020), and the Murray brothers, Keegan (2021) and Kris (2022).
And here's where it gets even more impressive for Stirtz. He's not just a standout in the Big Ten; he's making waves nationally. The senior guard has been named a preseason fourth-team All-American and a first-team All-Big Ten selection by the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook. But wait, there's more to this rising star's story.
Last season, Stirtz dominated at Drake University, earning All-American honors from three different outlets. He was also named the Missouri Valley Conference's Larry Bird Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, solidifying his status as a rising basketball phenom. His stats speak for themselves: leading the MVC in scoring, steals, and assist-to-turnover ratio, while ranking high in assists and minutes played.
As the 2025 Big Ten Media Day approaches on October 9th in Chicago, all eyes will be on Stirtz and his fellow honorees. The event will be televised on BTN, giving fans a front-row seat to the excitement. And the anticipation doesn't end there—the preseason Player of the Year announcement is also eagerly awaited.
Could this be the year Iowa's basketball program takes center stage? With Stirtz leading the charge, the Hawkeyes are poised for a remarkable season. And with a talented roster including players like Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan) and Nate Bittle (Oregon), the competition is fierce. But will Iowa's star power be enough to secure the top spot? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is Iowa's basketball program on the cusp of something extraordinary, or is this just another season in the competitive Big Ten?
