NBA Draft Breakdown: Top 5 Guards + Bennett Stirtz Interview

Summary

The Athletic NBA Daily (June 7, 2026)

Episode: "NBA Draft Breakdown: Top 5 Guards + Bennett Stirtz Interview"

---

Episode Overview

This episode digs deep into the 2026 NBA Draft’s standout guards, with expert insights from The Athletic’s John Hollinger and C.J. Moore, joined by host Andrew Schlecht. The show features a thorough breakdown of the top five guard prospects, nuanced disagreements on player rankings, and discussion of best team fits. The second half spotlights an exclusive interview with Iowa Hawkeyes guard and draft prospect Bennett Sturtz, giving listeners a personal look at his journey, mindset, and off-court life.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Draft Class Depth and Honorable Mentions

[01:45 - 04:00]

• This year’s guard class is considered unusually deep.
• John Hollinger highlights prospects just outside the top five:
  • Bennett Sturtz (Iowa): “He would be one of those names.”
  • LeBaron Filon (Alabama): Versatile, but in-between positions size-wise.
  • Sergio De Lorea (Valencia): A draft sleeper.
  • Mikel Brown (Louisville): Talented shooter and playmaker, but back issues and inconsistent defense are concerns.
• C.J. Moore adds Christian Anderson for his pick-and-roll and shooting abilities but notes his limited burst.

---

2. Top Five Guards in the 2026 NBA Draft

#5 Guard

[04:17 - 08:39]

• C.J. Moore: LeBaron Filon
  • Praises Filon’s footwork, creativity in the paint, and competitive edge.
  • “His speed, his change of pace—I think he’s a special player.” (05:25, Moore)
• John Hollinger: Braden Buries (Arizona)
  • “I just think he’s a really solid two guard who could end up playing on the ball at some point. Shot 39% from three, 57% on twos in the Big 12.” (07:01, Hollinger)
  • Noted for transition play and defense.
• Both analysts leave Mikel Brown outside their top five:
  • “Somebody had to be sixth … it’s a crazy deep guard class.” (06:07, Hollinger)

#4 Guard

[08:47 - 12:57]

• C.J. Moore: Kingston Flemings (Houston)
  • “His speed is probably better than any guard in this class … really, really impressive young man.”
  • Cautions about his jump shot translating and “thumb” in mechanics.
• John Hollinger: Darius Acuff (Arkansas)
  • “He has a Damian Lillard type ceiling at the offensive end … but I worry about him at the defensive end—size, effort, quickness, instincts.” (11:17, Hollinger)
  • Draws out the “Trae Young dilemma” regarding small guards in today’s NBA.

#3 Guard

[13:53 - 20:49]

• C.J. Moore: Darius Acuff
  • “From a straight bucket-getting ability and being able to take over a game … you know the shot’s going to translate.” (15:29, Moore)
  • Acknowledges defensive limitations but sees star-level shotmaking upside.
• John Hollinger: Keaton Wagler (Illinois)
  • “I usually don’t like guys from the greater Kansas City area, but I’ll make an exception here … tallest of these guys, most possibilities for playing off ball.” (15:38, Hollinger)
  • Compares Wagler to Tyrese Haliburton for his IQ and shooting, but notes skinny frame and average finishing.
  • “Unflappable—just nothing rattles him ever.” (20:49, Hollinger)

#2 Guard

[22:01 - 24:51]

• John Hollinger: Kingston Flemings
  • “He has a turbo button that these other guys don’t … I think he’s a day one starter in the NBA and has a star ceiling.” (22:01, Hollinger)
• C.J. Moore agrees on Keaton Wagler
  • Details his seamless transition across levels, high processing speed, and catch-and-shoot skill.

#1 Guard – Consensus: Darren Peterson

[24:51 - 29:17]

• C.J. Moore and John Hollinger both name Darren Peterson as the draft’s elite guard.
  • “He wakes up and you know, he gets 20 even when he’s on half a leg.” (25:19, Moore)
  • Peterson’s effortless scoring, three-level attack, and high upside are clear, but there are health and creation questions.
  • “Even if he’s not a superstar, he still really helps you win.” (29:17, Hollinger)

---

3. Team Fits & Draft Philosophy

[29:17 - 30:28]

• Hollinger offers two suggested fits:
  • Keaton Wagler to Clippers at #5 (“where he could play on and off the ball with Darius Garland”).
  • Later first-round fits for Filon, Anderson, or Sturtz with Atlanta, who need another point guard.

---

4. Bennett Sturtz Interview: Getting to Know the Prospect

[32:05 - 43:26]

Draft Journey & Training

• Opens up about training in Iowa City:
  • “I’ve already put on, like, eight pounds since the season ended … just getting as many reps as I can with shooting, defense.” (32:49, Sturtz)
  • Consuming 4,300 calories and 280g protein daily: “It’s a lot of food, but I’ve seen what it can do to my body.” (33:32, Sturtz)

Off-Day Routine & Personality

• “On my off day, I go to church or read my Bible … then I like to be outside in nature. My hobby is disc golf because I suck at real golf.” (34:23, Sturtz)
• Playful banter about disc golf’s role in basketball:
  • “I don’t think so … it might help with baseball.” (34:51, Sturtz)

Philosophy & Self-Assessment

• On basketball being the hardest sport:
  • “You’re not out there alone—you’re with five guys you’ve got to work together with … it’s hard with the defenders in the NBA.” (35:12, Sturtz)
• On what separates him:
  • “My basketball IQ or my ability to just make the simple plays … I have to outsmart, outthink my opponents.” (36:18, Sturtz)
• On maturity:
  • “I feel like I’ve matured … since I was 18 years old as a freshman.” (36:53, Sturtz)

Fun & Personal Questions

• Guilty pleasure while bulking: “My fiancée makes cottage cheese with almond flour, protein powder, and chocolate chips—tastes just like cookie dough.” (37:28, Sturtz)
• Best advice received:
  • “Keep your head down, stay working. Have a humble confidence. I did not follow it right away … my dad had to instill that in me.” (38:13, Sturtz)
• Developing confidence:
  • “Didn’t develop it fully until junior year at Drake … that was really what elevated my game.” (38:56, Sturtz)
• “Wheels or doors?” debate: “Wheels. I just think there’s wheels on things we don’t even think about.” (39:37, Sturtz)
• Add one NBA player skill: “Prime LeBron’s athleticism. … I’m gonna go like 2016 to 2017 probably.” (40:18, Sturtz)
• Player he watches most: “Jamal Murray … his mid range game, how he gets to his spots, it’s fun to watch.” (41:07, Sturtz)
• Superpower: “I’d want to read people’s minds … that would help on the basketball court too.” (41:45, Sturtz)
• Walkout song: “Christian rap … Lecrae, song called Night Night.” (42:22, Sturtz)
• What he does daily (non-basketball): “Disc golf. I play that almost daily.” (42:52, Sturtz)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• CJ Moore on the class’s depth:
  “It's hard, it's really hard to decipher between these kids.” (10:56)

• Hollinger on Darius Acuff:
  “He has Damian Lillard type ceiling at the offensive end … but the offense is way up here, right?” (13:12)

• Sturtz on confidence & growth:
  “Just that humble confidence is the advice. ... I didn’t develop it until junior year at Drake.” (38:13 & 38:56)

• Sturtz on his unique off-court passion:
  “Disc golf. I play that almost daily. I don’t think a lot of people would say that.” (42:52)

---

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Draft Class & Honorable Mentions: 01:45–04:00
• Top 5 Guards—#5 Spot: 04:17–08:39
• #4 & #3 Guards: 08:47–20:49
• #1 & #2 Guards, Consensus on Peterson: 22:01–29:17
• Team Fits & Draft Philosophy: 29:17–30:28
• Bennett Sturtz Interview: 32:05–43:26

---

Tone & Style

The episode is conversational and analytical, blending expert breakdowns with personal storytelling. There are lighthearted moments (banter about disc golf, “wheels vs doors”), but the heart of the show is rigorous draft debate and intimate, reflective player insight.

---

Final Takeaway

This episode is essential listening for NBA draft fans—it provides clarity on a crowded, talented guard class and highlights the character, background, and competitive drive of a notable prospect in Bennett Sturtz. Despite debates over rankings, all agree on the class’s talent and Peterson’s status as a cut above. Sturtz’s segment offers a refreshing, human glimpse of an NBA hopeful’s journey.

Transcript

[Commercial Narrator]

A better help ad.

[John Hollinger]

Hold on one second.

[Commercial Narrator]

I just need to. What if you had a room where no one interrupts, no notifications, no expectations, just space to talk with BetterHelp Therapy happens in a space that's yours. Visit betterhelp.com randompodcast for 10% off your first month of online therapy.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Hey everybody. This is Taylor from the Total Soccer show and this episode is brought to you by Hotels.com the Summer of Soccer

[John Hollinger]

is right around the corner.

[Andrew Schlecht]

And if you aren't using hotels.com to

[John Hollinger]

book the experience of a lifetime, it's worth asking why?

[Andrew Schlecht]

As a member, you save up to

[John Hollinger]

20% on hundreds of thousands of hotels

[Andrew Schlecht]

around the world and earn rewards on every single stay. Which means the trips you're taking now help pay for the ones you're already dreaming about. So whether you're following your team across North America this summer or or planning

[John Hollinger]

a well earned escape after being glued

[Andrew Schlecht]

to football for weeks on end, make sure you book on hotels.com and start earning rewards. Because when it comes to hotels, it's all in the name.

[Commercial Narrator]

Hotels.com Granger knows when you're a procurement manager for an office park, you're not managing one building, you're managing all of them. And to stay ahead, you need to see through walls and around corners. Lights about to fail, filters ready to clog H Vac on its last leg. If you wait until something breaks, you're already behind. Count on Grainger for quality products, easy reordering, and 24. 7 support. Call 1-800-GRAINGER Click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Welcome to the athletic NBA Daily Draft show. I'm your host, Andrew Schleck. Today we're counting down the top five guards in the 2026 NBA Draft class and we have a little get to know you seg with Iowa prospect Bennett Sturtz joining me today to rank the best guards in the class, I have John Hollinger and C.J. moore of the Athletic. Guys, thanks so much for joining during one of the busiest NBA seasons that we have. Appreciate you guys.

[Bennett Sturtz]

Thank you.

[John Hollinger]

Thank you. Yeah, I'm here here in San Antonio. Actually had a hell of a game last night.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah. Yeah, that was wild. Game one was so fun. So let's, let's start with honorable mentions, guys that wouldn't make your top five but that we, we think are still really good players. A lot of people talk about this like being one of the deeper guard draft classes that we've had in a while. Who who's, let's start with you, John, and then we'll, we'll go to cj, who, who's right outside your top five.

[John Hollinger]

I would say certainly your guest later today, Bennett Sturtz, would be one of those names. I would say LeBaron Filon from Alabama. Good, good offensive player. Maybe a little bit like in between positions, size wise would be one of them. I really like Sergio De Lorea from Valencia. He's one of my draft sleepers. I think he would be one of those names. Probably the last guy outside of my top five who some people probably have in their top five is Mikel Brown from Louisville who can really shoot it. Showed some point guard capabilities this year. Had some issues with his back. The medical from the combine is going to be a big deal for him. Was a little inconsistent, definitely as a player this year, a little touch and go on the defensive end, but he is certainly talented.

[Bennett Sturtz]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Cj, any other names for you

[C.J. Moore]

out of those that he didn't mention? Christian Anderson is probably one that I think would be in the, in the conversation. I have a little bit concerns about his ability to get by people off the bounce. But as a shooter and somebody playing out of the pick and roll, he's pretty special.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Okay, let's, let's get into it. Let's get into your top five players. We'll just go, each of you give me your fifth player and then let's talk about like where agreements and disagreements are as far as like where these guys should go. Cj, give me your fifth place player on your board.

[C.J. Moore]

All right, I think I'm gonna go. He was not on John's list, but I'll go. LeBaron, Filon, I. Mikel Brown is also not on my list. I'm with John there. One thing about Brown, you know, I think it's probably going to be a surprise to some people that he's not top five on both artists. Like he's sophomore age. He's already 20, so he's the same age as Phylon. Phylon was just better across the board. Free throw rate was the only number like kind of I looked at offensively that, that I thought Brian was superior. But what I really like about Phylon is his footwork around the basket. Playing off two feet. Really, really creative with. Once he gets into the paint. Has really improved as a shooter off the bounce. I thought he made a big step from his freshman to sophomore year there. And just in terms of his outside shot and then just the competitive type stuff. That you want to see. You know, I thought he was a real toughness guy for them as a freshman and kind of played a lesser role. And so I think that's promising to see that, like, he can maybe be more of a. Just a guy that fits along with stars if he's not your primary ball handler or he's not the main guy. So I really like Filan. I like his speed, I like his change of pace. I think he's a special player. I even considered him maybe even ahead of Kingston Flemings, but I like Flylan a lot.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I have to stop for just a second. I'm a little surprised that both of you guys have Mikel Brown outside your top five. That is a little surprising to me. John, can you like, give a little bit more insight on that?

[John Hollinger]

I had him six. I think there's five really good guards that I, that I had ahead of him, but I just like, somebody had to be sixth. And I just. Like you said, I mean, it's a crazy deep guard class I had when I did my top 15 ahead of the lottery drawing. I want to say I had Mel Brown. Where did I have him? 13 overall. Like, I. He's like, he's a good player, but yeah, there's a lot to pay. And I didn't even have Filon in my top 15. Actually, I agree with almost everything CJ said. Like, I watched guys shoot before games and filon stroke looks so much better when I saw him this year than 12 months earlier at success at SEC tournaments. So that definitely stood out. Um, elite talker. Watching him in the NCAA tournament, that was.

[Andrew Schlecht]

I like that. I like that.

[John Hollinger]

I. I did think Alabama system glosses over a little bit. Like he had some bad turnovers. It was like, oh, like, what. What are we doing here? So that, that would, that would concern me a little bit. And just the overall kind of size and defensive ability would have me wondering a little bit. A little similar to. To Christian Anderson from Texas Tech. LeBaron filings a little bigger. He probably doesn't shoot quite as well as. As Christian does, but you do wonder how guys like that are going to hold up defensively. So that's why he didn't quite crack my top five. My fifth guy was Braden Burry's from Arizona. I just think he's a really solid two guard who could end up playing on the ball at some point. Shot 39 from 3:57 on twos in the Big 12. I tend to look at conference stats for these guys to weed out all the Games against, you know, Barbizon or whatever in the early season. So that, that stuck out to me. I thought he, he's capable of playing a bigger role. Maybe then he played on a very, very good Arizona team. Arizona was also weirdly allergic to shooting threes this year. As CJ I think we talked about this when we were in Kansas and Lawrence for that game. So interested to see what he looks like in a pro system. He's really good in transition, getting downhill, getting to his finishes with either hand. I think he's pretty good defensively. Even though he's not huge physically. I think he's a really interesting prospect.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, Buries feels like our riser right now. Like a guy that could end up in the top 10 in this draft class.

[C.J. Moore]

CJ number four player I'm going to go with. And you know, it's funny when we talk about guards, like I wouldn't even think about Buries because I was just almost so focused on like the point guards because that class is so many,

[John Hollinger]

like point guards in particular. Right. It's absolutely stacked. It's unbelievable. We're going to have like eight in the first round.

[C.J. Moore]

Yeah. So Burry's wasn't even on my radar for some reason. I had like point guards. I was just thinking point guards and. But Buries is a good call. He probably be right there from. It's hard to decide between, you know, just. Just five guys. But he's right there. He's. You know, there's a level of toughness too that he brings to the game. Just the winning, intangible stuff that, that I think really showed up this year. And being able to play through early struggles, I thought was impressive for him. But my number four guy is. Is Kingston Flemings. I think his speed is probably better than any guard in this, in this class. Like his ability to just get downhill, get to the rim. I think he can, he can really pass the ball. That showed like when I went there in the preseason, that really showed up. He was really setting up his teammates. I thought he had to take on more of a kind of alpha offensive role as the season went along. He finished a little slower and I, you know, he's. He's a thumber with. He brings his thumb into his shot. That's been concerning. But also he, he shot it pretty well as a freshman. Like he, he shot it way better than I thought he would. You know, he's. He's a guy that. I don't know that his jumper will translate to the NBA three point line. I'm a little concerned about that, like him taking a step back and making shots there. But he's really good from the mid range, really good pull up and he's just like, he's one of those guys like you watch some of these spurs guards and the. In the playoffs, like when you have that elite speed, you're just going to figure out a way, especially with NBA spacing to get to the point, to the paint and he's a guy that's going to do that. Defensively. His reputation is probably helped a little bit by the fact that he played at Houston. I think he still has some, some strides to make there, but he is going to be a guy like those Houston guys. They come to the league ready to compete every single night, ready to play their butts off. Um, and, and just in, you know, I had a chance to spend a little time around him, just like a really, really impressive young man. Um, I think is going to check all the, off the court, all the characters type boxes and so yeah, it's, you know, you could put him even in the top three. It's hard, it's really hard to decipher between these kids. But I think the jump shot is maybe the one thing that, that gives me a little hesitation.

[John Hollinger]

I had Darius Acuff at 4, okay. And I know people are really excited about him at the offensive end. Like I. He has Damian Lillard type ceiling at the offensive end. Without question. He can shoot it from deep, he can shoot it from the mid range, gets into the mid range, pull up really easily, good passer, can get downhill to the rim, great at throwing alley oops in transition. Like he's got a lot he can do at the offensive end. Worried about him at the defensive end. Size, effort, quickness, instincts, you know, you name it. And you just wonder. I mean, I guess being in Atlanta and seeing the Trey Young experience,

[Commercial Narrator]

I

[John Hollinger]

mean on the one hand he was a really valuable player. They got to a conference finals with him. On the other, it is hard in today's NBA to just have a pigeon at the point guard spot. Like it just compromises you so much and in the types of things you can do with that end. So I worry about that with Acuff. So I have. It's weird you asked about our top five guards and I think there's one guy we're both going to have number one and otherwise two through five, I had him like two through six. Really almost. I had him right through it, right in a cluster where you could almost put him in any, in any order. But yeah, I had Acuff was, was my number four. Just because he's smaller than these other guys. I just, I'm, I'm more worried about some of those limitations coming into play at the defensive end.

[Andrew Schlecht]

What is his path to becoming a star? Like what does that look like today? Because I think a lot of people obviously you mentioned Trae Young and like his diminished stardom in today's NBA. Like what's, what's Acuff's path to becoming a star?

[John Hollinger]

Well, you hope, I mean he's a little bigger and more like taller and more solidly built than Trey Young. So you hope he can use some of that to be, I mean if he's just a C minus on defense, like Damian Lillard has never been an impact defensive player. But the offense is way up here, right? And that's, that's where the value comes from and that's Acuff. Like one of my, definitely one of my comps with him is, is like Lillard for that reason. Just because if he's this, the three level scorer is going to be a ten assist guy, then you know, maybe he's one of those guys who's just an offense unto himself.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Cj, you want to, you want to go with, with your number three player or.

[C.J. Moore]

Yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Any other thoughts on Acupun? Oh, perfect.

[C.J. Moore]

This is an easy transition.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Perfect.

[C.J. Moore]

I'm, I'm right there with John with the defensive concerns. I do think one thing that I'm interested in is like he had to play such a high usage role for that Arkansas team. Was there, was there an element of him kind of saving himself a little bit on that end? Maybe just a disinterest that maybe eventually, you know, the right coach will be able to get out of him. I, I think one thing with like the Trey Young complex and John kind of touched on this, like he is a better athlete, stronger, like he has more physical tools that you would think he'd be able to figure that out. But the offensive stuff is obviously obvious. Like, but some of the numbers he put up in high level SEC NCAA tournament games, he can really, really fill it up. I think the Arkansas system is so pretty, it's really simple. So like his ability to process and things like that, like those are things you want to continue to, you know, see how, how he does it the at the NBA level, but just from a straight bucket getting ability and being able to take over a game and like, you know, you have a pretty good confidence that he's going to score, be able to score. That, that'll translate to the NBA. But I'm right there with John, with, with some of the concerns in terms of the defensive stuff. The thing that separated him from like a Fleming's for me is just like you, you know the shots. I think the shot's going to translate. He's, he's made the, the usage and the numbers were there and the, and just the, the eye tests like he's going to be able to make shots.

[Andrew Schlecht]

John, number number three for you.

[John Hollinger]

My number three. It's funny, you know, I usually don't like guys from the greater Kansas City area, but I'll make an exception here for Keaton Wadler from, from Illinois. CJ's coming to us from Kansas City. That's why I'm tweaking him here. But yeah, Keaton Wagler, the, the tallest of these guys. The most possibilities for playing off ball and on. Even though he's, I think his main attraction is as an on ball player. It's weird cause he's, he's very skinny, very upright and you'd think he'd have trouble with ball security because of that and he just doesn't. He's unflappable on the ball. Illinois played at a very slow pace. I do want to see how he looks in a system that's playing a little faster. I mean you, you put an NBA clock on any Illinois possession this year and like a 8 second violation every single time.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Right.

[John Hollinger]

And B, they're not like half the time, they're not even getting in anything until the NBA shot clock is gone. So he's, he's definitely going to have to change his tempo some. But I thought like even with his build, really good at drawing fouls, won't take a bad shot, really good set shot, gets into, gets but gets into it from different platforms and stuff too. So. And physically he's going to fill out a little bit defensively right now I don't think he's very impactful. Although he does have a knack for blocking jump shots it seems. So. I don't know. Overall I think there's a lot to like there. He reminds me a little bit of Tyrese Halliburton when he came out just in terms of being like a very skinny guy. It wasn't totally developed yet, but you could see that he had between the shooting and the basketball IQ that there was just a lot to build on. So really interested to see what he looks like in an NBA environment playing, playing a little faster if he can get a little more athletic at it. Like he wasn't a great finisher is probably the one thing for me. But again, if he's playing with a little more speed maybe maybe that helps him too. Like everything was just so static. It was like pick and pop, pick and pop, pick and pop. And when he went in the paint, the other team was just in their shell like loaded up basically. So interested to see what it looks like for him at the NBA level. Because I think it is going to be more different for him than it will be maybe for a guy like Acuff.

[Andrew Schlecht]

CJ do you have Wagler too?

[C.J. Moore]

Yeah, it was easy transition. Yeah, I'm biased. He lives five minutes away from me years. But the thing that I think really, really stood out to me was he looked exactly in college, in the Big Ten, in the NCAA tournament. Like he looked at 6A high school basketball in Kansas. Like his game. He averaged the same amount of points at the thing. He like the level change just did not bother him at all. And that's why I have real hope for, for him jumping from, from college to the NBA. His ability to process things is really, really impressive. He sees the game really well. He did play a little faster in high school, so you know, he has played uptempo before. I saw a lot of his high school games, went to the same school as my son. So you know, I do think he's, he's really good at passing ahead in transition. I think that'll come in handy in the NBA. He always throws the ball ahead like he just makes the right play. I think the floor for him is fairly high because as John mentioned that the, the catch and shooting is there. He can be a force baser. He is best playing on the ball and we found that out at Illinois. Like early on he was off and then after the Connecticut game they moved him to point guard and that's when they really took off. Similar to Phylon. Like his ability to decelerate and do things around the basket with his footwork is really good. I think he'll get, continue to get better at that. That's something that he had in high school. But he really, really added even more this year at Illinois. And then the off the bounce shooting is really, really impressive. You know, it's not like I don't want to throw around Steph Curry stuff, but like he does some Steph Curry ish things with his shooting off the bounce, with his ability to kind of get guys off balance and then get up a shot. You Know, obviously there's going to be some concerns with his speed and his body, but I do think his dad's really built pretty well. His older brother's built pretty well. I think he's kind of a late bloomer in terms of his body. I mean he put on quite, you know, quite a bit of girth to him even though he's still really skinny. From his senior year in high school to, to his freshman year at Illinois, they're on him to eat all the time. So I do think it's, it's possible. I mean he's, he's young, he isn't young for his, his grade. I think he's a February birthday. So you know, I, I do think the body stuff could, his just his frame could, could improve as he gets older as, as most do.

[John Hollinger]

Yeah, my, my other word for him was unflappable. Like just nothing rattles him ever.

[C.J. Moore]

Ever.

[John Hollinger]

Just absolutely like right here, every possession, every game.

[C.J. Moore]

And also one of those guys that like off the court, like he just, he, it's all about basketball. Like he, basketball and that's it. He doesn't really have, you know, he's not going to be a guy that's going out like character stuff. He's going to score off, off the, off the charts there. And so yeah, I think for Keaton there's the question marks are always going to be about his, his body and his, his, his speed. But everything else just skill wise and even defensively. I think there's a level of competitiveness to him that he's, he's going to figure it out. I thought he played pretty well defense, you know, held his own this past year. And another thing that he does sneaky well is like offensive rebound. He gets to loose balls. He like has a good nose for the ball which you know, those extra possessions. Just having a guard that can do that in the NBA is really valuable.

[Andrew Schlecht]

John, who you have it to?

[John Hollinger]

My number two is Kingston Flemings. I just think he has a, a turbo button that these other guys don't. That is going to be more apparent in the NBA with more. Houston did not have a ton of space and I think when you put him in NBA spacing and he can use his quickness advantage to get downhill and get a lot of layups and easier shots. His finishing was not great at Houston. He needs to get better at that. His pull up shooting is good enough. He's very good getting into the pull up jumper. Now how many of them are going to go in? I think that's still a question, but his hard right dribble getting up in the air like, yes, he'll be able to get that shot off every time. And then the other thing I see with him is like, I mean he's almost John Wall, like with the ball in his right hand, zipping it across to the three pointer on the other side. Like he's amazing. He throws darts like Nolan Ryan, fastballs across the court and the defense just doesn't have time to get back. I thought he was really impressive with that and I, I think he's. You touched on this a little. I think he's a kid worth betting on too. I think he was really impressive in the combine interviews. I think that Houston program does instill some toughness in these guys that, I mean, I think it was probably already there in his case, but I think that's encouraging. As you point out, thumb shooter shot 84 and a half from the line though, which, I mean, when you're talking about projecting ahead and using analytics, like that's a really positive indicator to see from a, from a freshman. Defensively, I think he was a little overrated as an on ball defender. You watch the tape and there's some iffy possessions and stuff. I thought he was really sharp off the ball though. And that a lot of times is what's demanded of you more as a point guard in the NBA level. Like they're going to try to have you as the low man tagging rollers and stuff. And if you can be kind of sneaky about getting in and out and getting your hands in for steals and stuff, you can make an impact as a point guard that way. So I, I just really like him overall. I think he's a day one starter in the NBA and I think he has a star ceiling depending on how offensively efficient he can be.

[C.J. Moore]

Nobody teaches that off ball, ball screen tag stuff better than Houston. So I mean that's, that's a great point. Like he's going to come in really, really prepared to, to be a good defender off the ball because they do a really, really good job of teaching that. And he has like some free safety ish like ability to, to you know, cover ground so quickly. So.

[John Hollinger]

And then I think it's. It in a roundabout way, it's a, it's a offensive indicator too. Like that ability to read and process the game translates to the other, especially in a point guard. So that's an encouraging thing to me too.

[Andrew Schlecht]

So the number one guy is obviously Darren Peterson and would love to know we'll start with you, C.J. just like, what differentiates him from everybody else in this class? I mean, he's been thought of as like this number one guy for a long time, so this is like no surprise to anybody. But I'd just love to know both of your thoughts on just how he differentiates himself.

[C.J. Moore]

Well, I think you're, you're banking a lot on the high school tape. You're banking a lot on the, the upside here because, like, I think that his ability to score the ball just so effortlessly is what separates him from these other, like, scoring is just really, he wakes up and you know, he gets 20 even when he's on half a leg. Right. Like, so I think, you know, obviously kind of like with, with Wagler, like the, the catch and shoot is elite. I think his off the dribble stuff is pretty good. What I saw last summer when I went and watched them practice was a guy that can really read the game and also dominate without scoring. And that's something we didn't really get to see at Kansas because they moved him off the ball. They were trying to kind of protect him a little bit in terms of workload, like usage and stuff like that, because they didn't want to wear him out. Right. So you're going to have all those concerns with is his body ever going to get back to what it was? And I think the medical stuff's going to be really, really important with what teams come away with there. But when he is right before all of this, he was the best player in this class. He has the highest upside. His ability, like I said, also a guy that can process the game. He can score at all three levels. He can draw fouls. I thought he got kind of a bad whistle at times with Kansas. Like his free throw rate probably could have been even higher. Just can generate offense out of, out of nothing and also can play either guard spot. So I think it's just the upside with him. Obviously there's going to be more question marks and like yellow, yellow light with him than any other guy. But if, if it all comes together, he has a chance to, to be a guy that's like an All Star almost every year.

[Bennett Sturtz]

Yeah.

[John Hollinger]

I mean, obviously teams want to know what's going on with him physically this year.

[C.J. Moore]

I'm.

[John Hollinger]

I'm not sure if everyone's buying the creatine story. So we'll see C.J. shaking his head, see how that one develops. It was funny. I was out there, Andrew. I was out there in Lawrence, Kansas for the for the Arizona game. And There were about 10 gms in the crowd, I want to say, and they were all excited to see Darren Peterson play against what was I believe at the time the number one team in the country. And then he bailed like a minute before tip off. And everyone was, was quite puzzled that night that. That was not a, that was not a creatine thing. Right. That was like a flu or something. So.

[Bennett Sturtz]

Yeah, yeah.

[John Hollinger]

So anyway, it, it was, it was an interesting night. So there. That coming out of the combine is going to be a big question. I think that's going to heavily. Like, I can't see him going lower than 4 no matter what, but I think where he falls in that one, I listed him fourth. Um, I didn't have as much experience seeing him with high school, so I was going more on what I saw from him in college. The thing that concerned me about what he did at college is that even for somebody playing off the ball, his assist rate was atrocious. And so how much creation ability is there for others at. When he starts moving up levels is I think, still a question to me. Now the other, the other part of it though is he can really shoot and defensively he was really solid. So like, you're talking about a worst case scenario where he's maybe a really elite three and D guy if he's healthy at all, which, I mean, that's, that's still really good. Right? That's like a, that's like a $20 million player right there. Right. So, so even if he, there's this whole like second set of outcomes where even if he's not a superstar, he's. He still really helps you win. So I, I think that's the encouraging part with him too.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, that makes sense. Okay, before we go, do you guys have any favorite, like team fits for any of these guys? Like you just kind of hope that a guy ends up with a certain team. Maybe not hope, but you just think that this, this player fits with this particular franchise really well.

[C.J. Moore]

Be a better question for Jon than me. I'm still locked.

[John Hollinger]

I think, I think Wagler is a guy that people are wondering, the Clippers at number five, where they already have Darius Garland, where they could draft Wagler and have him play both on the ball and off the ball, depending on whether Garland is on the floor, on the bench, or on the injured list. And so I, I think, I think that's one that I think has caught people's eye. Certainly I'm, I'm trying to think if any others stand out? You know a couple of these later guys when you get into like the Filons and Anderson's, I do think Atlanta, where I live, they need another point guard. So one of these guys, whether it's Anderson filing or Sturts, Atlanta has a later pick. I want to say it's like 21 or something. I could definitely see a fit there.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah, that makes sense. John, C.J. thank you guys for coming on the show today. Be sure to go read their stuff at the Athletics. Stay locked into everything we're doing over there around the NBA draft and the Finals and we'll talk to you guys again next time. Drop by GNC where new happens first and GNC cuts through the noise to find you what actually works. You'll find the best products from the latest launches, trends and innovations in wellness and performance all hand picked by experts at gnc. Get a sneak peek at the newest formulas, flavors and brands coming soon to gnc. From trust trending ingredients to breakthrough formulas, the drop by GNC keeps you in the know and on top of your goals. New drops launch regularly so there's always something exciting to discover.

[Commercial Narrator]

Hey there, it's Wayfair here where delivery and setup are as easy as a few taps on your phone. You're relaxing in an old hammock, scrolling Wayfair's app when you spot it. A brand new patio set. Next thing you know, Wayfair delivers it right to your patio and sets it up. Oh, you need a new grill too. Alright, Wayfair's got you covered. With Wayfair's room of choice delivery and fast expert setup on qualifying orders, life gets a little easier. Visit Wayfair.com or the Wayfair app. Wayfair Every style, Every home. There's never been a better time to get outside and experience the benefits of nature, discover nearby trails and explore the outdoors. With all trails, download the free app today and find your outside

[Barahini]

what's up everybody? As Barahini here over at the Athletic NBA Daily, we are preparing for the NBA draft and as part of that we are doing a series of interviews with prospects from the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft. Today we will get to know Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett sturts, a former D2 player who grinded his way to to play for the Hawkeyes last season, leading them to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament, all while averaging nearly 20 points per game. Bennett, how are you my friend? How's everything going?

[Bennett Sturtz]

Yeah, thanks for having me on. Doing great.

[C.J. Moore]

Of course.

[Barahini]

Yeah man. Before we get started I obviously want to play this little game with you, but generally, how has the draft process or this process over the last couple of weeks been for you?

[Bennett Sturtz]

Man, it's been great. Decided to train in Iowa City with Coach Mack. Um, he's. It's been great.

[John Hollinger]

He's.

[Bennett Sturtz]

He's been killing me in these workouts. But, yeah, honestly, it's. It's just getting about getting reps, getting stronger. So I've already put on, like, eight pounds since the season ended, and. Yep. Yeah, just getting going in, in the weight room and then, yeah, just getting as many reps as I can with shooting defense. So, yeah, just. Just putting the work in right now.

[Barahini]

Man, I can't even imagine, like, the process of gaining eight pounds. I mean, I. No, don't. Don't get me wrong. I can imagine gaining eight pounds, but, like, eight pounds of muscle. Yeah, it's hard food required to eat. Like, what's the process behind that? How much, how many calories are you eating on the daily?

[Bennett Sturtz]

Yeah, I've never been, like, on a diet before because I honestly have ate, like, crap my whole life, and I thought it'd be pretty, pretty hard doing it. Like, I can't eat any junk food or anything like that, so. Thought it'd be hard going into it, but honestly, it's just. You have. Let's see, it's 4,300 calories a day, 280 grams of protein a day. So it's a lot of food, but.

[Barahini]

Holy.

[Bennett Sturtz]

Yeah, you get full. But I've, I've seen what it can do to my body. It's already helped me so far, so.

[Barahini]

Yeah, no, that, that's excellent. I mean, that's good for you. I hope you're getting some fiber along with the protein.

[C.J. Moore]

Exactly.

[Barahini]

Very, very important, as you might know. Okay, let's get into these questions. So, again, the questions are to get to know you as the person. Bennett Sturts, first and foremost, what does a perfect day look like for you when you're not training or playing?

[Bennett Sturtz]

That's a great question. For my off day, which is usually Sundays, I, I, I go to church or read my Bible. That's what I like to start my day with. Then after that, I like to be outside in nature. So my hobby is disc golf because I suck at real golf, so I like to play disc golf a lot. I've never played disc golf.

[Barahini]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Whoa.

[Barahini]

Okay.

[Bennett Sturtz]

All right.

[Barahini]

Very cool.

[Bennett Sturtz]

Uh, I play that a lot, and I, I really enjoy it, and I'm pretty good at it, so.

[Barahini]

Do you think it helps you in basketball at all to be good at disc golf?

[Bennett Sturtz]

I don't know. I don't think so because.

[Barahini]

Okay.

[Bennett Sturtz]

It might help with baseball, but I. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Barahini]

I don't know. I'm just trying to wonder like if there's any translatable skills to that, like. Okay, I guess not.

[C.J. Moore]

Yeah, probably not.

[Barahini]

Okay, fair enough. Disc golf, I gotta try that. What is something you believe about basketball that you think most people would disagree with?

[Bennett Sturtz]

I think it's one of the hardest sports to play. I don't, I don't think people would agree with me on that. Just because you're not out there alone, you're with five guys that you've got to work together with and then. Yeah, it's hard putting the, it's hard with the defenders in the NBA putting the ball in the basket. And then obviously it's even harder guarding them because it feels like they can always, always make the shot. So I think it's the hardest sport and I don't think people.

[Barahini]

I, I mean, I would agree with you. I, I've, I have this debate with my friends all the time in terms of like what athletes are the best athletes. And that's another good one that. Yeah. What do you think?

[Bennett Sturtz]

Yeah, I think it's like the football question. I think NBA players or basketball players would be better football players than football players.

[Barahini]

Basketball players. Yes, I agree with that. Yeah, I think, I think relative to the average, like more basketball players could become football players. And football, because the level of coordination required is just, is totally different. Okay, what's something about you that doesn't show up on the stat sheet or the highlight reel but is a constant in your game?

[Bennett Sturtz]

Probably my basketball IQ or my ability to just make the simple plays. I can't. I'm not the quickest, fastest, strongest guy out there. So I have to outsmart, outthink my opponents. So that's one thing. And then I like to make the simple pass. I don't think that's very popular nowadays. People like to be flashy and stuff like that. And I'm just a simple player out there and I like to make the game easier for me and make simple reads.

[Barahini]

Do you feel like your time obviously being a multi year guy in college, do you feel like that has allowed you like what, what has that helped with your basketball iq?

[John Hollinger]

Quote unquote.

[Bennett Sturtz]

Just getting reps, every level I think helps. And then just going through it for four years. I feel like I've matured since I was 18. Years. Years old as a freshman, so I feel like I'm mature and know what's going on on the court.

[Barahini]

Yeah. Okay. What is your guilty pleasure snack? What is the. What is the thing you like to eat? I mean, we just talked about calories and getting your calories up. What's the. What's the guilty pleasure?

[Bennett Sturtz]

Now that I'm on a diet, I don't know if I can. Let's see.

[Barahini]

Can you have a guilty pleasure snack?

[C.J. Moore]

Is it.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[Bennett Sturtz]

My guilty. It's like. So I hate cottage cheese, but it's. It's.

[C.J. Moore]

You.

[Bennett Sturtz]

It's a lot of protein in there, so.

[Barahini]

Yes, it is.

[Bennett Sturtz]

My fiance makes cottage cheese, and she puts almond flour protein powder and chocolate chips, and it takes. Tastes just like cookie dough. So that's. That's what I like nowadays.

[Barahini]

So this is. You're 100% right. My wife does the same thing. If you throw. If you throw that in the freezer for a little bit, you get. You get like an ice cream version of it.

[Bennett Sturtz]

Ooh. It's worthwhile.

[Barahini]

Give it a try. Yes. I also am not a huge cottage cheese fan, but gains, man, gains. You got to do. Okay, what's the best piece of advice you've ever gotten and did you follow it right away?

[Bennett Sturtz]

Best advice? I would say, keep your head down, stay working. Like, have a humble confidence. And I did not follow it right away. My dad had to. My dad had to teach it to me sophomore year. He really instilled the work ethic in me. And you got to respect your opponents, but you also have to have confidence. And that's something I lacked in high school just because I had no Division one offers or anything like that. Yeah, I didn't believe in myself. So, yeah, just that humble confidence is the advice.

[Barahini]

What do you think allowed you to develop the confidence? Because, man, when you watch. When I watch you play, especially over this last season, like, the level of confidence you have working the offense, it's. It's. It's clearly there. What has helped you develop that?

[Bennett Sturtz]

Yeah, honestly, I. I didn't really develop it fully until junior year at Drake after we played some Power 5 teams. In the beginning of the year, I didn't think, like, I would be able to play with Power 5 opponents. So, um, that was kind of a huge hump to get over. And, yeah, that's really what really elevated my game and knew I could. I could really play at this level.

[Barahini]

Yeah. Okay. I want you to really think about this one, Bennett. Really, really think about this one. Are there more Wheels in the world or doors?

[Bennett Sturtz]

I've, I've thought about this and I forgot my answer.

[Barahini]

There are a lot of wheels. There are a lot of doors. You have to pick one.

[Bennett Sturtz]

Wheels. I don't know why. I'm just gonna say wheels. Is that a bad answer?

[Barahini]

No. I mean, there's no wrong answer here. What is your reasoning behind wheels?

[Bennett Sturtz]

I just think there's wheels on things that we don't even think about.

[Barahini]

Yeah.

[Bennett Sturtz]

Like parts.

[Barahini]

Trolleys. Yeah, Yeah, I agree. But then there's doors. Like, there's a lot of doors. Do you consider cupboards a door?

[Bennett Sturtz]

Cabinets are a door.

[Barahini]

I don't know. Cabinets are a door.

[Bennett Sturtz]

I'm pick doors. So.

[Barahini]

Okay. Yeah, it's, it's, it's the ever evolving question we can never figure out. Okay, if you could add one skill from any current NBA player to your game, whose would it be and why?

[Bennett Sturtz]

Let's go with prime LeBron's athleticism.

[Barahini]

Yeah, I mean that would be elite. What do you think is prime LeBron, by the way? Because you can pick a couple different years or eras. What's your prime?

[Bennett Sturtz]

I mean. Yeah, that's why, that's why he's the goat. Because you can pick whatever, like 2018.

[Barahini]

It's true.

[Bennett Sturtz]

I'm gonna go. He was approved. I'm gonna go like 2016 to 2017 probably. Yeah, I know 2018 was different. Yeah, Miami Braun was different, but he was, he's just more mature when he had a ring.

[Barahini]

So the decision making. Yeah, I agree with you. Do you, do you have like a. I mean, I know it's hard to comp because you're going to be playing against these guys, but is there, is there a guy that you watch consistently that's like, I'm gonna pick some things from him and oh, this is what I like to incorporate in my game. It's hard to make a comp, but is there a guy you watch in the NBA that you try to mirror or replicate?

[Bennett Sturtz]

Yeah, I love watching Jamal Murray, I think.

[Barahini]

Cool.

[Bennett Sturtz]

There's obviously, he's a great Canadian guy.

[Barahini]

Bennett, I love you.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Thank you very much for bringing it up.

[Barahini]

Let's go.

[Bennett Sturtz]

Yeah, I just love watching his game. He's so smooth and he plays with Jokic very well. And yeah, his mid range game, how he gets to his spots, it's, it's, it's fun to watch.

[Barahini]

Yeah. His ability to create separation is really special to watch because it's not, he's not, he's not like the fastest guy in the world, but Just he finds a way every single time, which is. Yeah, that's great. That's a great compa.

[C.J. Moore]

Or person to watch.

[Barahini]

Okay. If you could pick one superpower to have, what would it be and why?

[Bennett Sturtz]

I'd want to read people's minds.

[Barahini]

Okay. All right. Yeah, that would help on the basketball court too.

[Bennett Sturtz]

You know what I mean?

[Barahini]

You could tell it.

[Bennett Sturtz]

Figure out what's. What I was thinking about when I said that. But, yeah, I'm interested about things and stuff like that, and I want to know what. What people are thinking are out there. So.

[Barahini]

Yeah, I like that. I like that. I personally would have. Being able to eat 4,300 calories. Okay. If you could have a walkout song. This is something I love from baseball. I don't know if you do. If you could have a walkout song every time you got subbed in to a game, what would that be?

[Bennett Sturtz]

Yeah, I'm. I love listening to Christian rap. That's, like, pretty much all I listen to.

[Barahini]

Like, Lecrae.

[Bennett Sturtz]

You like cray? Yes, that's. That's the goat man. I'm a go.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Holy.

[Bennett Sturtz]

It's called a song called Night Night. It just came out on his new album, so.

[Barahini]

Yeah, that's awesome.

[Bennett Sturtz]

Underrated. People don't really listen to it that much.

[Barahini]

I gotta tap in. I gotta tap in. Okay, this is the final question. We are calling this the NBA daily question. What is something you do daily that's not basketball related?

[Bennett Sturtz]

I mean, we kind of already talked about it. Disc golf. I play that almost daily.

[Barahini]

Okay.

[Bennett Sturtz]

I don't think a lot of people would say that. So as a basketball player, man, shout

[Barahini]

out to disc golf. That is the. That. This is what's made this podcast at this point. I got. I gotta get into disc golf. Okay, Bennett, before we get out of here, good luck on the entire draft process. Good luck on everything that's happening. We're very excited to see what happens you in June. I'm sure you are. Is there anything you want to mention or say before we get out of here?

[Bennett Sturtz]

I think we're good.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[Bennett Sturtz]

That's fun.

[Barahini]

Yeah. Okay. Appreciate you as always. Thank you very much. That was Bennett Sturtz here. You will see him in the NBA very, very soon, I imagine. Must be very cool to hear that.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Yeah.

[C.J. Moore]

That's crazy.

[Barahini]

And we'll see you guys next time. Thank you for tuning in.

[John Hollinger]

Thanks for listening. Make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button so you never miss an episode if you enjoyed it. Drop a. Like, leave a rating or let us

[C.J. Moore]

know in the comments.

[John Hollinger]

Thank you guys for waking up with us.

[Commercial Narrator]

When you're a maintenance engineer in a beverage manufacturing plant, you keep production lines moving and quality on track because there's no room for slowdowns. With Grainger's vast selection of high quality motors, sensors, belts and hard to find parts, you can get what you need fast and all in one place, so nothing gets in the way of getting the job done. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done. Shipping, billing, admin, payroll, marketing. You're managing all the things, so why waste time sending important documents the old fashioned way? Mail and ship when you want, how you want with stamps.com print postage on demand 247 and schedule pickups from your office or home. Save up to 90% with automated rate shopping. That's why over 1 million small businesses trust stamps.com go to stamps.com and use code podcast to try stamps.com risk free for 60 days.

[John Hollinger]

Hey, this is Pablo Torre from Pablo Torre Finds out and today I want to talk to you about Boost Mobile. In sports, there's always pressure to chase the next big thing, but sometimes the smartest play is sticking with what's already working for you. Boost Bumble gets that if your phone is running fine, you should not have

[Andrew Schlecht]

to buy a new one just to

[John Hollinger]

get a better deal. Bring your phone to Boost Mobile and get unlimited wireless for just $25 a month. Forever. No contracts, no price hikes. Visit Boost Mobile. Unlock your phone. $25 forever requires customers to remain active on the Boost Mobile Unlimited plan.