Is Joshua Jefferson playing in the Sweet 16? What to know about the injury status for Iowa State's star player

Iowa State star forward Joshua Jefferson will not play against Tennessee tonight in the Sweet 16 for the No. 2 Cyclones, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. The All-American was ruled out before tip-off and was previously a game-time decision. 

Cyclones head coach T.J. Otzelberger said on Thursday that the decision would be up to Jefferson if he would be available or not. "It's really Joshua's decision," Otzelberger said via Thamel. "We're going to support him and love him and have his back in whatever he decides to do."

Jefferson suffered a low ankle sprain against Tennessee Tech in the first round on March 20. He reportedly went through shootaround on Thursday and later told reporters he was in a "good amount of pain." 

More: Tennessee vs. Iowa State live score, updates, highlights from March Madness

"Throughout my career, I definitely had to play hurt a lot, but I think there's a difference between hurts and injuries," he said. "So just trying to get to that hurt point right now."

As of now, Jefferson is projected as a first round NBA Draft pick and could boost his stock with a few good tournament games. 

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