Jefferson joins a transfer class that already includes Seattle transfer Brandton Chatfield, Northern Iowa transfer Nate Heise and Charlotte transfer Dishon Jackson.
A 6-8 forward out of Las Vegas, Jefferson played for the Gaels the last two seasons. Jefferson comes to Iowa State with two seasons of eligibility remaining.
He started 26 games for St. Mary’s last season before suffering a season-ending injury. He averaged 10.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists for the Gaels in 25 minutes per game. He earned All-West Coast Conference Honorable Mention honors.
“Joshua is a high IQ basketball player that impacts winning in a variety of ways,” Otzelberger said. “He’s a gifted offensive player that can score at all three levels. He possesses terrific defensive instincts that will help us generate turnovers and end possessions with a rebound.”
Jefferson scored in double figures in 13 of his 26 games, including a career-high 21 points in a victory at San Francisco on Jan. 20. He tallied four double-doubles on the year, including a 16-point, 13-rebound effort in a victory at No. 13 Colorado State Dec. 9. He had six games with four assists or more, including a career-high eight in a victory against Portland Jan. 11.
