Jefferson spent his first-two years at Saint Mary’s, playing a limited role off the bench as a freshman before becoming a full-time starter as a sophomore. He transferred to Iowa State for his final two seasons and perpetuated a trend of making notable jumps with his game and production with each passing year. He comes from a football family as his dad played in the NFL and both of his brothers have played high-major college football.
About
Exceed expectations in his first season at Iowa State, averaging 13 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.1 steals.
Became the 2nd player in Big 12 history to average 15+ points, 7+ rebounds, and 4+ assists as a senior.
2026 First Team All-Big 12 and Second Team All-American.
Strengths
Strong, NBA ready body, that is powerful and proportioned from head-to-toe providing him with a balance and physical floor game.
Terrific passer with vision, dexterity, and uncommon feel for the game from the forward position. Should be, at minimum, a valuable connector at the next level.
Defensive playmaker with a particularly high steal rate for a forward, who was ideally suited for TJ Otzelberger’s system.
Weaknesses
One of the older players in the draft, who turns 23 next November, and so is perceived to have less untapped upside.
More physical than he is quick or explosive. He can struggle to finish over length at the rim, converting just 55% of his layups. Defensively, he’s physical, smart, and quick with his hands, but less naturally twitchy with his feet.
Continued development of his ball-skills will maximize the value of his passing.While his touch and shooting mechanics look projectable, he’s just a 31.5% career shooter from 3-point range, who made only 33% of his unguarded catch-and-shoot attempts this year. Similarly, he’s more effective playing off a couple of controlled bounces then he is trying to be a creator off the dribble.
Lacks creativity as a handler and would theoretically be best playing off another playmaker, but most comfortable with volume and freedom.
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