Is Stirtz worn out?

[MeetTheFerentzes]

Let’s be real – there’s a reason why essentially no college players play 40 minutes per game all season. As good of a year that he has had, he has been hot garbage the past two games. If he just is average these last two games the team is a lock for the NCAA’s and maybe looking at working themselves up to a #6 seed or so. As it is, they are in danger of being left out of the NCAA‘s altogether. We’re going to need Stirtz at full strength and playing at the top of his game in order to have a chance against Nebraska and any games after that, and I am concerned that that player may not exist anymore…

 

[oldxbbc]

Can’t help but think the wear and tear has affected him. Now off to a very good Nebby and then the possible grind of BT tournament. Has to be taking a toll on the player of a month ago.

 

[TailgateTom]

Bennett Stirtz in B10 Play:
-23.5 ppg
-4 assists/game
-52% fg
-39% 3pt
-83% free throw

What are we even talking about here? He's the leading scorer and facilitator while being the sole focus of opposing team's defense. Scored 21 vs Michigan last night, 4 assists 3 rebounds and 3 steals while turning the ball over once and committing one foul.

I'd say he's just fine. If he's tired of anything it's not getting much help from anyone.

 

[Titanhawk]

Seems to me if he were worn out he would be scoring most of his points in the first half instead of averaging 20 points for the second half

 

[IowaFarmBoy2]

When you are the main threat you get beat up

 

[TampaHawkFan]

Bennett Stirtz in B10 Play:
-23.5 ppg
-4 assists/game
-52% fg
-39% 3pt
-83% free throw

Sure, but the OP was talking about the last two games. 6-21 from 3 (28%) the last two games. The season stats mask that.

7-23 (30%) overall last night despite the 21 points.

Or it could be just a couple of off shooting games and there's nothing to it. I don't know.

 

[Unclesammy]

When you are the main threat you get beat up

He shot 34% the past 2 games. Unfortunately, he's the only consistent threat we have.

 

[Old_wrestling_fan2]

Hot garbage? Come on! No player is totally "on" game after game for all 40 minutes. Stirtz is the #1 reason that Iowa is "in" games against teams like Michigan. For crying out loud, what a bad take. Once again he led all Hawkeye scorers last night...despite being under a heavy defensive focus.

Iowa's chief problem is that after Stirtz there is a big drop off to the next reliable scorer and all of the good teams that the Hawks face are well aware of that and set their defense, etc, accordingly. Name a team that has achieved this much relying so heavily on one player.

 

[TailgateTom]

Sure, but the OP was talking about the last two games. 6-21 from 3 (28%) the last two games. The season stats mask that.

7-23 (30%) overall last night despite the 21 points.

Or it could be just a couple of off shooting games and there's nothing to it. I don't know.

Previous 3 games:

OSU he scored 22 on 8/11 and 3/6 from 3.
Wisconsin he scored 23 on 9/16 and 3/8 from 3
Nebraska he scored 25 on 8/22 (37%) and 2/8 from 3 while providing a herculean effort on defense, so he gets some slack here IMO.

 

[TampaHawkFan]

Previous 3 games:

OSU he scored 22 on 8/11 and 3/6 from 3.
Wisconsin he scored 23 on 9/16 and 3/8 from 3
Nebraska he scored 25 on 8/22 (37%) and 2/8 from 3 while providing a herculean effort on defense, so he gets some slack here IMO.

Yes, but again, we're talking about the most recent couple of games. It might be a valid question... Or it might be nothing. I suppose we'll find out in time with a minimum of 3 more games left, including the postseason. If he bounces back, then we know it's an aberration. I'm not convinced it's enough of a sample to say he's definitely worn out.

Edit: Stirtz has had some off games before.. So maybe it's coincidence.

Bennett Stirtz 2025-26 Stats per Game - NCAAM - ESPN

The 2025-26 NCAAM season stats per game for Bennett Stirtz of the Iowa Hawkeyes on ESPN. Includes full stats, per opponent, for regular and postseason.

www.espn.com

 

[TailgateTom]

Yes, but again, we're talking about the most recent couple of games. It might be a valid question... Or it might be nothing. I suppose we'll find out in time with a minimum of 3 more games left, including the postseason. If he bounces back, then we know it's an aberration. I'm not convinced it's enough of a sample to say he's definitely worn out.

The other variable that has to be considered when discussing his stats, how many poor shots is he forced to take at the end of the clock because nobody else will step up? IIRC, Iowa's first 2 possessions alone last night ended up with him having to jack up off balanced 3s.

 

[TampaHawkFan]

The other variable that has to be considered when discussing his stats, how many poor shots is he forced to take at the end of the clock because nobody else will step up? IIRC, Iowa's first 2 possessions alone last night ended up with him having to jack up off balanced 3s.

True. I don't have Peacock so I didn't see last night's game. UM is #2 in adjusted D on kenpom, so I imagine he wasn't getting a lot of good looks.

 

[52317Hawk]

Let’s be real – there’s a reason why essentially no college players play 40 minutes per game all season. As good of a year that he has had, he has been hot garbage the past two games. If he just is average these last two games the team is a lock for the NCAA’s and maybe looking at working themselves up to a #6 seed or so. As it is, they are in danger of being left out of the NCAA‘s altogether. We’re going to need Stirtz at full strength and playing at the top of his game in order to have a chance against Nebraska and any games after that, and I am concerned that that player may not exist anymore…

Iowa is a lock for the NCAA tourney and won't be left out. They may be playing out of the 8/9 seed but that's it.

 

[Hawk48]

He shot 34% the past 2 games. Unfortunately, he's the only consistent threat we have.

He has very little shooting help from the outside, so defenses do not worry about anybody else and overplay him. If you look at the roster Iowa has maybe 1.5 outside shooters, maybe. Hard to win with that number. I think most players are tired by the end of the year, but who knows how tired. JMHO

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

Bennett Stirtz in B10 Play:
-23.5 ppg
-4 assists/game
-52% fg
-39% 3pt
-83% free throw

What are we even talking about here? He's the leading scorer and facilitator while being the sole focus of opposing team's defense. Scored 21 vs Michigan last night, 4 assists 3 rebounds and 3 steals while turning the ball over once and committing one foul.

I'd say he's just fine. If he's tired of anything it's not getting much help from anyone.

You must have read too fast and missed the "As good of a year that he has had" part of my post. And I'd say not getting help from anyone pretty much all season is a good reason to be worn out.

 

[TailgateTom]

You must have read too fast and missed the "As good of a year that he has had" part of my post. And I'd say not getting help from anyone pretty much all season is a good reason to be worn out.

So he's putting up elite numbers in an elite conference all year but he's wearing down? I don't buy that, and don't understand the point of your post if you agree with me.

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

Hot garbage? Come on! No player is totally "on" game after game for all 40 minutes. Stirtz is the #1 reason that Iowa is "in" games against teams like Michigan. For crying out loud, what a bad take. Once again he led all Hawkeye scorers last night...despite being under a heavy defensive focus.

Iowa's chief problem is that after Stirtz there is a big drop off to the next reliable scorer and all of the good teams that the Hawks face are well aware of that and set their defense, etc, accordingly. Name a team that has achieved this much relying so heavily on one player.

13/38 from the field and 6/21 from 3 are what I'd expect from Josh Oglesby if he were the focus of the offense the past 2 games.

Again, he plays 40 minutes a game with very little support. Good reason to be worn out.

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

Previous 3 games:

OSU he scored 22 on 8/11 and 3/6 from 3.
Wisconsin he scored 23 on 9/16 and 3/8 from 3
Nebraska he scored 25 on 8/22 (37%) and 2/8 from 3 while providing a herculean effort on defense, so he gets some slack here IMO.

So not as good the past 2 games. Maybe he's getting worn out.

 

[Old_wrestling_fan2]

13/38 from the field and 6/21 from 3 are what I'd expect from Josh Oglesby if he were the focus of the offense the past 2 games.

Again, he plays 40 minutes a game with very little support. Good reason to be worn out.

You can be the primary focus of opponent defenses without teammates that can consistently score in say, double digits and end up with shooting numbers like that AND NOT be tired out on the season. Stirtz isn't just the focus of the offense...he IS the offense.

As good as Stirtz is he is often in one v. two or more long, athletic players guarding him. That will suppress shooting averages.

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

Iowa is a lock for the NCAA tourney and won't be left out. They may be playing out of the 8/9 seed but that's it.

If Iowa loses to Neb and ends up as the #9 BTT seed as expected, they will have a game against the winner of the #16-#17 game, which very likely could be Oregon. They are in no way above a loss in that game, which would give them 3 of the worst losses among contending teams over the past month. In that case, there would be a lot of pacing in the Iowa basketball facility for the following 4 days....

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

So he's putting up elite numbers in an elite conference all year but he's wearing down? I don't buy that, and don't understand the point of your post if you agree with me.

My point was that your post didn't show anything to prove I'm wrong.

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

You can be the primary focus of opponent defenses without teammates that can consistently score in say, double digits and end up with shooting numbers like that AND NOT be tired out on the season. Stirtz isn't just the focus of the offense...he IS the offense.

As good as Stirtz is he is often in one v. two or more long, athletic players guarding him. That will suppress shooting averages.

....and maybe wear a guy out who's played almost every single minute of every single game for 30 games under those conditions, which no one else in the country has had to do?

 

[oldxbbc]

If Iowa loses to Neb and ends up as the #9 BTT seed as expected, they will have a game against the winner of the #16-#17 game, which very likely could be Oregon. They are in no way above a loss in that game, which would give them 3 of the worst losses among contending teams over the past month. In that case, there would be a lot of pacing in the Iowa basketball facility for the following 4 days....

If Iowa loses to Neb and ends up as the #9 BTT seed as expected, they will have a game against the winner of the #16-#17 game, which very likely could be Oregon. They are in no way above a loss in that game, which would give them 3 of the worst losses among contending teams over the past month. In that case, there would be a lot of pacing in the Iowa basketball facility for the following 4 days....

Lotta truth there. I think they need two more wins and Nebby would be a big one, but at this point seems like a long shot playing there.

 

[airhawk]

You would be worn out too if you had to carry an entire team on your back.

 

[Old_wrestling_fan2]

....and maybe wear a guy out who's played almost every single minute of every single game for 30 games under those conditions, which no one else in the country has had to do?

Well, if Stirtz is worn down then a worn down Stirtz is still clearly the best player on this team, AIIEC. As long as he is not being physically hurt, then ride that pony as long as you can. Resting him, if that would even help him in the short term, will lead to even worse team results at this stage.

I think the coach(es) and Stirtz know better than we do what the best path is here.

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

I will say as much as he handles the ball, and the offense basically goes through him (exclusively), I'd think his assists numbers would be better. I guess were just that bad at finishing once he distributes the ball.

 

[Rambler Hawk]

True. I don't have Peacock so I didn't see last night's game. UM is #2 in adjusted D on kenpom, so I imagine he wasn't getting a lot of good looks.

Be glad you don’t have peacock…the buffering was so bad, I needed to cast it from my iPhone….

 

[Rambler Hawk]

I will say as much as he handles the ball, and the offense basically goes through him (exclusively), I'd think his assists numbers would be better. I guess were just that bad at finishing once he distributes the ball.

Yeah, there really is no other scoring threat beyond (gulp) Hausen. Watching Howard (who I really like) shoot 3’s was painful…

 

[HMB Trumpet]

Let’s be real – there’s a reason why essentially no college players play 40 minutes per game all season. As good of a year that he has had, he has been hot garbage the past two games. If he just is average these last two games the team is a lock for the NCAA’s and maybe looking at working themselves up to a #6 seed or so. As it is, they are in danger of being left out of the NCAA‘s altogether. We’re going to need Stirtz at full strength and playing at the top of his game in order to have a chance against Nebraska and any games after that, and I am concerned that that player may not exist anymore…

"Hot garbage" is too harsh, but he probably is getting worn down late in games. It also mattered last night that he had the 6'9" Lendeborg guarding him part of the time and various double-teams.

 

[Hawkangler]

Let’s be real – there’s a reason why essentially no college players play 40 minutes per game all season. As good of a year that he has had, he has been hot garbage the past two games. If he just is average these last two games the team is a lock for the NCAA’s and maybe looking at working themselves up to a #6 seed or so. As it is, they are in danger of being left out of the NCAA‘s altogether. We’re going to need Stirtz at full strength and playing at the top of his game in order to have a chance against Nebraska and any games after that, and I am concerned that that player may not exist anymore…

Hot Garbage? Your posts are garbage! You are not worthy of carrying Stirtz's jock strap, what a loser.

 

[uihawk82]

Bennett Stirtz in B10 Play:
-23.5 ppg
-4 assists/game
-52% fg
-39% 3pt
-83% free throw

What are we even talking about here? He's the leading scorer and facilitator while being the sole focus of opposing team's defense. Scored 21 vs Michigan last night, 4 assists 3 rebounds and 3 steals while turning the ball over once and committing one foul.

I'd say he's just fine. If he's tired of anything it's not getting much help from anyone.

He was 7 for 23 shooting iirc, that is 29 or 30% which is far under his season FG%.

Those were a lot of empty trips because at 52% he makes 4-5 more buckets and hawks win by 10

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

Hot Garbage? Your posts are garbage! You are not worthy of carrying Stirtz's jock strap, what a loser.

Feel better now?

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

"Hot garbage" is too harsh, but he probably is getting worn down late in games. It also mattered last night that he had the 6'9" Lendeborg guarding him part of the time and various double-teams.

You may be right, but I’m sure that Stirtz is his own biggest critic, and he would probably describe his performance the past two games similarly.

 

[vamchawk]

You may be right, but I’m sure that Stirtz is his own biggest critic, and he would probably describe his performance the past two games similarly.

true--but I'm sure he wouldn't say it's because he's getting worn down late in games.

 

[TailgateTom]

My point was that your post didn't show anything to prove I'm wrong.

You've said nothing to prove the hot hair you spew is anything but. The difference is, what I posted matches his B10 body of work. What you're saying is conjecture

 

[TailgateTom]

He was 7 for 23 shooting iirc, that is 29 or 30% which is far under his season FG%.

Those were a lot of empty trips because at 52% he makes 4-5 more buckets and hawks win by 10

Yeah?

 

[Ken58]

Let’s be real – there’s a reason why essentially no college players play 40 minutes per game all season. As good of a year that he has had, he has been hot garbage the past two games. If he just is average these last two games the team is a lock for the NCAA’s and maybe looking at working themselves up to a #6 seed or so. As it is, they are in danger of being left out of the NCAA‘s altogether. We’re going to need Stirtz at full strength and playing at the top of his game in order to have a chance against Nebraska and any games after that, and I am concerned that that player may not exist anymore…

He just isn't as good as he's built up to be. Will spend more time in the g league than the NBA!

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

You've said nothing to prove the hot hair you spew is anything but. The difference is, what I posted matches his B10 body of work. What you're saying is conjecture

I’ve posted his numbers from the past two games. Just as objective as the numbers you posted.

 

[Warhawkeye]

I’ve posted his numbers from the past two games. Just as objective as the numbers you posted.

Honest question. Would you rather have a wore out Stirtz play or someone else?

 

[TailgateTom]

I’ve posted his numbers from the past two games. Just as objective as the numbers you posted.

Lol, whatever you want to believe, dude.