Iowa State’s standout forward Joshua Jefferson will be a last-minute decision for Friday evening’s Sweet 16 clash with Tennessee in Chicago, according to Cyclones head coach T.J. Otzelberger, who addressed reporters Wednesday.
The All-American player injured his left ankle during a drive to the basket in Iowa State’s opening tournament victory over Tennessee State last Friday. He was unable to play in the team’s second-round matchup against Kentucky two days following the injury.
Coach Otzelberger indicated that Jefferson continues to show improvement in his recovery process.
“He’s working tirelessly every day,” Otzelberger said during a press conference at the team’s hotel. “Countless sessions in the training room. Doing everything he can. His ankle is getting better every single day. It will go right up to game time.”
“There’s not any percentages, predictions, unlikely, likely. It is literally, he is working tirelessly to compete to do everything he can to be on the court for our team. …. We’ll see where we’re at game time Friday night.”
Jefferson serves as a crucial player for the Cyclones, averaging 16.4 points per contest while ranking second on the team in assists with 4.8 per game. He also tops the squad in rebounds, pulling down 7.4 per game.
