Bennett Stirtz drafted 16th overall to Memphis Grizzlies, then traded to Oklahoma City Thunder

BROOKLYN, Ny. (KQTV) - Bennett Stirtz' dream came true at the NBA Draft on Tuesday night in Brooklyn, New York. Stirtz was selected 16th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, he was then traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for 2 second round draft picks.

Stirtz had quite the college career coming out of Liberty High School. He helped the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats win MIAA Tournament Championships and then when head coach Ben McCollum left town to coach at Drake and then at Iowa, Stirtz followed and so did the winning.

Stirtz helped Drake and Iowa make the NCAA Tournament in his junior and senior seasons, including a run to the Elite 8 with the Iowa Hawkeyes this past season.

Stirtz becomes the first former Division II basketball player to be drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft since 2017.

He now looks to prove himself once again with the 2025 NBA Champions with the Thunder.