Ahead of ther Sweet 16 matchup between Tennessee and Iowa State, Rick Barnes has likely been under the assumption that Iowa State may be shorthanded.
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Well, a recent update has emerged, and this isn’t the news Tennessee was hoping for. While injuries are never something to celebrate, Joshua Jefferson may be ready to return just in time for tomorrow night’s matchup. A photo is circulating around X that Jefferson looks like he is ready to go for the Tennessee against Iowa Saturday night.
This is big news for Iowa State as Jefferson is their best player and a guy that their offense revolves around. He is averaging 16.4 points a game, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists this year and is the heartbeat of the Cyclones team this year.
I don’t know if he’s playing, but Joshua Jefferson is out of a boot and very much alive! pic.twitter.com/Bq4zEjesiy
— Chris Williams (@ChrisMWilliams) March 26, 2026
Tenenssee will have to adjust
After suffering a foot injury against Tennessee State, Joshua Jefferson was spotted in a boot, but X now points to him being back on his feet. Even without him, Iowa State made a statement, dominating Kentucky by nearly 20 points on Sunday. If Tennessee wanst any chacne to win tommorow night Fleix Okpapra, JP Estrella, and Jaylen Carey need to ccontain Jefferson down low.
Now, he may be limited and less effective than normal, but even Jefferson at 50% is better than many college basketball players. Iowa State had an advantage preparing for the NCAA tournament games, as Tennessee had to prepare for the scenario that Jefferson was playing, and also the scenario that he was not playing.
While it's not 100% confirmed, it's likely that Jefferson will suit up tomorrow night, given that he's not in a boot. Tennesse will need to contain him while also ensuring that they take care of the ball. Iowa State is in the top five in the nation in forcing turnovers. This will be a game where Ja'Kobi Gillespie has to be on point with taking care of the ball and his passing. Tennesse can win, but it will not be an easy one.