Bennett Stirtz on Faith, Humility & His Unlikely Road to the NBA

Bennett Stirtz joins Jordan Montgomery on the Growth Over Goals podcast just days before the NBA Draft to reflect on his remarkable journey from two Division II offers to becoming one of the most inspiring stories in college basketball. In this episode, Bennett shares how his faith, family, mentors, teammates, and coaches helped shape him into the leader he is today. He talks about the moment his work ethic changed, what he learned from Coach Ben McCollum, why he chose relationships and fit over a bigger NIL opportunity, and how he plans to stay grounded as he steps into marriage, a new city, and the next chapter of his basketball career. In this conversation, Jordan and Bennett discuss: • Going from overlooked recruit to projected NBA Draft pick • The role faith played in Bennett’s growth • Why being a great teammate creates opportunity • Turning down money and choosing what truly satisfies • Leadership lessons from Coach Ben McCollum and other mentors • Staying grounded when the lights get brighter • What Bennett wants to remain the same through every life change Bennett’s story is a powerful reminder that growth does not happen overnight. It comes through humility, consistency, faith, and the willingness to keep showing up when no one is watching.