Joshua Jefferson, a forward for the Iowa State Cyclones, is generating buzz ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, with analysts penciling him in for a late first‑round or early second‑round selection.
His teammate, Tamin Lipsey, has been a defensive anchor for the Cyclones, topping the program’s all‑time steals list and earning the 2025‑26 honor of being named the nation’s best point‑of‑attack defender.
Defensive Excellence vs. Draft Perception
Despite his defensive prowess, Lipsey’s offensive game remains a work in progress; his jump shot requires refinement, yet his ball security and playmaking have drawn praise for keeping turnovers low.
The omission is striking because major outlets such as ESPN, The Athletic and Bleacher Report have not included Lipsey in their recent mock drafts, a gap that reflects both the limited visibility of defensive specialists and the competitive nature of the draft class.
If the draft does not yield a spot, Lipsey is expected to chase a Summer League invitation, where he could showcase his defensive instincts and potentially earn a roster contract through other avenues.
The conversation also brings into focus the Cyclones’ recent draft history; the last Iowa State player to hear his name called was Tyrese Haliburton in 2020, and the program’s NBA pipeline continues to evolve as new talents emerge.
Both Jefferson and Lipsey will need to leverage every available platform, from pre‑draft workouts to summer league play, to translate their collegiate achievements into professional opportunities.