Nov 27, 2023; Moraga, California, USA; St. Mary’s Gaels forward Joshua Jefferson (5) controls the ball during the second half against the Utah Utes at University Credit Union Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Iowa State earned its latest commitment out of the transfer portal Sunday in former St. Mary’s forward Joshua Jefferson.
Jefferson entered the portal after St. Mary’s was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament by Grand Canyon.
“I feel like Iowa State was a perfect fit for me and my play style,” Jefferson said. “I wanted to go somewhere that’s going to have national coverage and be able to play against the best teams in the country. That’s what I’m all about – just going out there and finding the best competition and proving to everybody how good I am and just having that confidence in myself. That’s what made Iowa State the perfect fit for me.”
The 6-foot-8 forward had interest from a number of programs, but ultimately scheduled visits with Virginia, UNLV, VCU and TCU. He canceled some visits after making his decision on Iowa State.
Jefferson averaged 10.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last year at St. Mary’s and shot 46.9 percent from the field. He helped the school to a 26-8 regular season record as well as a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Iowa State assistant coach J.R. Blount was the primary recruiter in Jefferson’s recruitment.
The Cyclones beat out Virginia and TCU to secure his commitment at the end.
“We vibed well right away,” Jefferson said of his relationship with Coach Blount. “I felt like I could relate to him a lot. He’s a very personable coach, so that’s what really stuck out to me – that I could just talk to him about whatever. Even on (my visit to Ames), we were laughing and joking about anything that’s out there in the world. It was just a great time being around him and talking with him every single time we talked.”
His highlights from the 2023-24 season can be seen below.
The addition to the roster gives Iowa State 12 scholarship players on the 2024-25 roster, leaving the program with one spot left to fill for next year.
“I’m just excited to be able to meet all the fans and play in front of them,” Jefferson said. “They have a great fan base that I’ve heard so much about and seeing so much from watching them this past season- Hilton Coliseum’s an amazing place. I just can’t wait to get out there and play this year.”
