Iowa Stars Shine in 2026 NBA Draft Projections
The 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be a showcase of talent from across the country, and Iowa basketball fans have plenty of reasons to pay attention. With the draft just two weeks away, new projections from The Athletic highlight several players with deep Iowa roots who are expected to hear their names called on draft night.
This year's draft class is considered strong at the top and throughout the lottery, though the overall depth has been impacted by college players choosing to stay in school thanks to lucrative Name, Image, and Likeness deals. Still, NBA executives reportedly have first-round grades on roughly 20 to 25 players, and Iowa is well represented among that group.
Stirtz Projected as First-Round Selection
Former Iowa standout Bennett Stirtz is making waves ahead of the draft. The 6-foot-3 guard is projected to go No. 21 overall to the Detroit Pistons, according to The Athletic's latest mock draft. Stirtz, who spent his college career with the Hawkeyes, fits what Detroit is looking for: a lead guard who can shoot and create offense alongside franchise cornerstone Cade Cunningham.
Scouts have praised Stirtz for his scoring ability and playmaking instincts. His skill set would complement Detroit's defensive infrastructure while providing another reliable offensive weapon. The Pistons have reportedly shown significant interest in Stirtz and Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson Jr. as potential fits next to Cunningham.
Iowa State Represented in First and Second Rounds
Iowa State fans will also be watching closely on draft night. Forward Joshua Jefferson, a 6-foot-8 standout for the Cyclones, is projected to go No. 27 to the Boston Celtics. Jefferson's exceptionally high basketball IQ has drawn comparisons to some of the league's smartest players, and his ability to make quick decisions fits perfectly with Boston's system under coach Joe Mazzulla.
Jefferson is known for his defensive versatility and elite passing ability. His draft range is currently seen as somewhere between the late 20s and early second round, but landing in Boston would be an ideal situation for a player whose strengths align with the Celtics' emphasis on rapid ball movement and defensive discipline.
Another Cyclone, guard Tamin Lipsey, is projected at No. 52 to the LA Clippers. The 6-foot-2 guard has been a steady presence throughout his college career and brings toughness and defensive intensity that NBA teams value in second-round selections.
Top of the Draft: Dybantsa Expected at No. 1
While Iowa fans will be tracking their local stars, the top of the draft features some of the most talked-about prospects in years. BYU wing AJ Dybantsa is the consensus projected No. 1 overall pick to the Washington Wizards, bringing a rare combination of high upside and a strong floor to a franchise looking to build around its young core.
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is projected at No. 2 to the Utah Jazz, while Duke forward Cameron Boozer is expected to go No. 3 to the Memphis Grizzlies. North Carolina wing Caleb Wilson rounds out the top four, projected to the Chicago Bulls.
NIL's Impact on Draft Depth
One storyline worth watching is how NIL money continues to reshape the draft landscape. The Athletic reports that the withdrawals of college players lured by NIL riches have substantially hindered the depth of this year's class. This means teams picking in the later portions of the draft may look to make deals with players ahead of time, locking them into two-way contracts rather than relying on traditional draft evaluations.
For players like Stirtz, Jefferson, and Lipsey, the decision to enter the draft reflects a confidence in their readiness for the next level. In a draft where executives see little difference in talent between players ranked 45th and 100th, having a clear skill set and proven production becomes even more valuable.
What It Means for Iowa Basketball
The presence of multiple Iowa and Iowa State players in draft projections speaks to the strength of the state's college basketball programs. Both the Hawkeyes and Cyclones have developed players who are now on the radar of NBA front offices, a testament to the coaching and development happening in the state.
For Iowa fans, draft night offers a chance to celebrate homegrown talent making the leap to the professional ranks. Whether it is Stirtz in the first round or Lipsey in the second, the message is clear: Iowa basketball is producing players who can compete at the highest level.
The 2026 NBA Draft takes place on June 23, with the first round starting at 7 p.m. Central time.