Former Iowa State Cyclones forward Joshua Jefferson is expected to end the university's five-year NBA Draft drought.
Major outlets project his selection during the two-day event starting Tuesday evening, June 23, 2026.
According to 247Sports and Yahoo Sports, the consensus All-American could be chosen as early as Tuesday night in the first round or Wednesday during the second round.
Jefferson transferred to Iowa State from Saint Mary's before his junior year.
He developed into a first-team All-Big 12 selection as a senior, averaging 16.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.
He also became the first player in Big 12 history to record multiple triple-doubles in league play. His collegiate coach praised his versatility and high basketball IQ.
"He can guard multiple positions.
When you get a lot of assists and a lot of rebounds, that also gives you great benefit on teams where you're playing with a superstar, potentially a couple of superstars," said T.
J. Otzelberger, Iowa State head coach.
Otzelberger noted that Jefferson consistently impresses professional franchises during organizational interviews due to his deep basketball knowledge.
"So, I think Joshua is extremely intelligent, and when he interviews with teams, he impresses them very much as well because of his basketball IQ and his basketball knowledge," Otzelberger added.
Mock Draft Projections
Mock drafts from ESPN and Bleacher Report project Jefferson as a first-round talent.
ESPN slots him at No. 28 overall to the Brooklyn Nets, while Bleacher Report places him at No. 30 to the Dallas Mavericks.
The Athletic provides an alternative forecast, projecting Jefferson to be selected by the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round with the No. 32 overall pick.
The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks have also been identified by analysts as potential fits due to Jefferson's physical frame and immediate readiness on the court.
Tyrese Haliburton was the last Cyclone selected in the NBA Draft when he was taken No. 12 overall in 2020.
That capped a stretch where Iowa State produced eight draft picks between 2012 and 2020.
