Joshua Jefferson: Iowa State's Breakout Star

0:00On March 15, Iowa State Cyclones, men's basketball has seen some standout play this season, with players like Milan, Momsolovic, breaking the single-season three-pointer record, and Tom and Lipsy extending his career steal's lead. But Joshua Jefferson has emerged as the team's top performer in his second year after transferring from St. Mary's. ESPN analyst Jay Biles just named the senior forward to his first team All-American Squad, putting him among the nation's elite. Jefferson has stepped up big time as coach TJ Ozzelberger's main offensive option, posting career highs across the board. He's averaging 16.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.9 blocks over, 31.8 minutes per game. His shooting splits sit at 47% from the field, 34.5% from 3, and 70% from the line. Fans and observers have praised his all-around game, including five double doubles and two

1:00triple doubles that highlight his versatility on both ends of the floor. He earned all Big 12 first-team honors too, and many felt he got snubbed for conference player of the year, which went to Arizona's Jaden Bradley. Instead, Biles slotted Jefferson alongside stars like Duke's Cameron Booser, BYU's AJJ. DeBonza, Michigan's Yoxelendabord, and Purdue's Braden Smith on that first team, while Bradley made honorable mention. Jefferson's defensive flexibility, guarding bigs inside or switching on guards outside, sets him apart in a major conference. These numbers have NBA Scouts buzzing, positioning the cyclone forward on the edge of a first-round pick in the 2026 draft, capping A, breakout campaign for Iowa State.