How Will Jefferson’s Absence Affect The Cyclones?
Iowa State ranks in the top 20 nationally in offensive (17th) and defensive (5th) efficiency. The Cyclones, who average 82.5 points a contest, are an outstanding shooting team. They are one of the top passing teams, averaging 17.2 assists, and connect on 49.1% of their field goal attempts and 38.9% of their 3-pointers, while averaging 9.1 treys per game.
The Cyclones get after it. The Cyclones limit opponents to 65.4 points per game, which is 13th-best in the country. Their best attributes are forcing turnovers and not fouling.
A big reason for the Cyclones’ success this season has been their health. Coach TJ Otzelberger uses just seven players, and they have missed a combined five games — Tamin Lipsey missed three, and Dominykas Petras sat out two. The Cyclones have won all five of those contests that the pair combined to miss.
While Milan Momcilovic is Iowa State’s top shooter and scorer (17.1 points per game), Jefferson is the Cyclones’ best player and one of the two players who initiate the offense. Jefferson is the primary creator for the Cyclones and an efficient three-level scorer. He also creates problems for opposing teams with his unique skill set and size, standing 6-foot-9 and weighing 240 pounds, and is a good offensive rebounder.
More significantly, Jefferson anchors the Cyclones’ defense, which thrives on physicality and switching. Jefferson can guard the two through five. He is also a strong defensive rebounder who erases possessions and prevents second‑chance points.
For the season, Jefferson averages 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals in 31 minutes over 35 appearances. He also makes 1.1 threes and has produced 10 double-doubles, along with two triple-doubles, with shooting splits of 47.1/34.5/70.0.
