The Player to Help Iowa State to Glory

(Photo: Getty)

There is a growing excitement about where this Iowa State team will end up by the end of the season. Many are speculating a chance at a National title appearance, which is something that is not the usual in Ames. This is in big part to the job done by coach TJ Otzelberger, and the players that have stepped up to take the team to the next level. One of these players is Saint Mary's transfer Joshua Jefferson. He can be the x-factor in which takes this team far in March.

Coming into his third collegiate season, Jefferson was looking for a new start in joining the Cyclones. In his Sophomore year, he helped Saint Mary's to a successful season, including winning the WCC Championship. Within the season, he was able to lead the conference in defensive rating and defensive box plus/minus, establishing himself as a prominent defender. This a big reason as to why he fits the Iowa State culture. Though his offensive game didn't jump out at you, he was still able to produce for the Gaels and show glimpses of the presence he brings.

2023-24 at Saint Mary's: 10.2 PPG, 2.3 AST, 6.5 REB, 1.2 STL, 47 FG%, 27 3PT%, 73 FT%

After transferring to Iowa State, there was big hope that he would be able to fill voids in the frontcourt. 20 games into the season, and many would say he has exceeded those expectations by a mile. Just like last season, he is making his presence known on the defensive side of the ball alongside one of the best defensive teams in the country. He has shown his versatility and toughness on defense, while truly being an anchor down low. To this point in the season he finds himself top 10 of the Big 12 in steals, defensive rating, defensive box plus/minus, and defensive rebounds. Certainly making his case for All-Defensive team in the conference, and one of the best defensive bigs in the nation. In this breakout season, Jefferson has had a steal in 16 of their 20 games, including a record breaking eight steal game against Colorado. 1.9 steals per game puts him second on the team behind Tamin Lipsey. His ability on the defensive end has certainly helped the Cyclones be more efficient in creating turnovers and stops.

Offensively, his game is expanding and progressing as the season moves. This was also something that needed to be filled on the offensive side for the Cyclones coming into the season. Jefferson has proven how flexible his offensive skillset is and what he brings to the table. Increasingly gaining more traction in the post and showing his footwork has been something big for the frontcourt. Along with that, his ability to pass the ball out of the post, along with his vision has been a game changer. Though he only averages 2.8 assists per game, he is an extremely skilled passer for his size and can even be used in a point forward role. His finishing around the rim has been a big part in why his field goal percentage went from 47% last season, to 53% this season. Free throw percentage is also something he increased six percent, which has been crucial in late game situations for the Cyclones. One area he may want to explore more would be stretching the floor to the perimeter. As of recent, he has been shooting the three ball more, including a 3-4 performance against UCF. If he can continue to knock down a couple perimeter shots, it not only opens up the offense, but helps his game overall.

2024-25 at Iowa State: 12.9 PPG, 2.8 AST, 8.1 REB, 1.9 STL, 53 FG%, 29 3PT%, 79 FT%

Jefferson is a Swiss Army Knife on both sides of the ball. He has been one of, if not the best transfer in all of college basketball. This is a guy with NBA talent and intangibles. This is the guy that can take the Cyclones over the hump this season come March.

Written by Anthony Ellis. 2025