Joshua Jefferson

Joshua Jefferson, a Las Vegas native from Liberty High School, opened his college career with two seasons at Saint Mary's before transferring to Iowa State. As a senior in 2025-26 he became the Cyclones' offensive hub, averaging 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.6 steals and earning consensus Second Team All-American and First Team All-Big 12 honors; he was the first player to record multiple triple-doubles in Big 12 conference play. At 6'8" he operates as a point-forward who reads defenses, initiates offense and defends multiple positions, though an inconsistent outside jumper caps his scoring ceiling. Minnesota drafted him 28th overall and traded the pick to Brooklyn, where his passing, feel and positional size fit a rebuilding Nets team seeking versatile connectors.