Dec 20, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Wade Taylor IV (4) presses Wofford Terriers guard Jackson Paveletzke (1) on the inbound pass during the second half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Iowa State has landed its second major commitment out of the transfer portal.
Wofford guard Jackson Paveletzke announced his pledge to T.J. Otzelberger’s program on Monday. The 2022-23 Southern Conference Player of the Year is considered the No. 25 available transfer by On3.
“Before I even got there, I kind of knew it was the place to be,” Paveletzke told Cyclone Fanatic. “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. 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.”
This is Iowa State’s second commitment in as many days after UNLV guard Keshon Gilbert did the same on Sunday.
Paveletzke was one of the top freshmen in the country this past season while averaging 15.1 points, shooting 49.3 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from 3-point range for Wofford.
The Kimberly, Wis. native is adept at scoring on all three levels of the court, but is especially lethal from deep where he can score off the catch or bounce. He’s especially strong scoring in the pick and roll, knocking down mid-range pull-up jumpers or attacking all the way to the basket.
The 6-foot-3 combo guard played AAU basketball for Wisconsin Phenom, the same team as Iowa State 2023 signee Milan Momcilovic. Wofford was his only reported offer out of high school.
Gilbert and Paveletzke will both fit well alongside returning point guard Tamin Lipsey, who hosted Paveletzke on his official visit this past weekend. The duo will be asked to help fill big shoes left behind by Gabe Kalscheur and Jaren Holmes.
“I spent some time with Tamin this weekend,” Paveletzke said. “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.”
