Dec 20, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Wofford Terriers guard Jackson Paveletzke (1) drives to the basket against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
The following is a transcript of a conversation with Wofford transfer guard Jackson Paveltzke, who announced his commitment to Iowa State on Monday after visiting Ames over the weekend.
CF: So, what stuck out about your visit and what made you want to commit to Iowa State?
Paveletzke: “Before I even got there, I kind of knew it was the place to be. Just since day one, T.J.’s kind of stood out to me and made me a priority. They were in the NCAA Tournament, practicing the morning before they played Pitt. T.J. was FaceTiming me in the arena. There hasn’t been a day where I haven’t talked to T.J. or J.R. (Blount) or the staff. Right when I got there, I kinda got a feeling that this is the place for me. Just seeing the arena and seeing all the stuff that Iowa State has to offer, it really made me feel like it’s a family atmosphere and I really liked it.”
CF: Tell me about your relationship with T.J. Otzelberger.
Paveletzke: “Since I entered the portal, T.J. really stood out to me as a guy that really cares. His mentality and how he goes about his work, T.J.’s a worker. He cares so much about his guys. He’ll go to war with his dudes. That’s something I really noticed and something my family noticed. He’s got a lot of energy and every day I’ve talked to him, it’s been that energy and it’s been consistent. Consistency with me is something that stood out. He’s made me a priority since day one.”
CF: What do you bring to the table as a player?
Paveletzke: “I really think I bring a lot of playmaking to the table. I can score the ball at all three levels. Whether that’s hitting open threes or creating threes, getting to the mid-range or finishing at the rim. Just making the right play is something that I do all the time. I’m a team guy and I’m going to do whatever the team needs to win.”
CF: What are your thoughts on Iowa State’s returning point guard Tamin Lipsey? What was the feeling being around the guys this weekend?
Paveletzke: “Tamin was my host. I spent some time with Tamin this weekend. He’s a great kid. Everything from I’ve experienced and heard, he’s a really humble kid who works really hard. He proved that this year in the Big 12 doing as well as he did. That’s no mistake. That’s who he is. That’s why I think he really fits. He’s got that mentality. He’s just a really hard worker, which helps him out. I was around the guys this weekend and I loved them. I see that I fit right in. I can really see myself taking the court with these guys.”
CF: Iowa State’s had a lot of players from Wisconsin have success in the program. What was your exposure to Iowa State growing up in the state?
Paveletzke: “Obviously, Tyrese Haliburton is a marquee name that sticks out for me. He went to Oshkosh North High School and they’re a team in my high school conference. I kind of grew up 30 minutes from him and seeing the success he had at Iowa State, then obviously Tyrese Hunter, going there too and having some success. Wisconsin’s had some… man, even Matt Thomas, Deonte Burton. There’s a lot of guys who have had success at Iowa State. It’s no mistake. Their player development and how much time and energy they put into the guys is really why. Also, those guys all worked really hard too and that’s something that really sticks out.”
CF: There will be another one with Milan Momcilovic joining you guys this summer. What do you know about his game?
Paveletzke: “I’ve actually talked to Milan a couple times throughout this process. He played with Phenom, who I played with, but a year younger than me. Milan’s the real deal. He’s 6-foot-8. He can space the floor. He’s really skilled. He can shoot threes. He’s got really good footwork in the post. He’s got a signature fadeaway that he really knocks down at a high rate. He’s super long which helps on the defensive end. I’m excited to play with him and he’s a great player.”
CF: Was part of your decision to transfer just looking for a new challenge with a higher level of competition in the Big 12?
Paveletzke: “That was part of it. I’m looking forward to the challenge, but I think I’m going to be ready. I’m looking forward to getting to campus in June with these guys and starting to work with them. I think this group could be really special next year with the incoming guys and the returning guys. We’ve got a lot of skill and versatility. Guys that can shoot the ball and create. I’m ready to see what this team can do and get to work with them in the summer.”
