Iowa State Basketball Reserve Steps Up After Injury

Dominick Nelson makes the most of his chance as Cyclones prepare for NCAA Tournament matchup with Kentucky.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:41pm

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Despite a reduced role in recent months, Iowa State senior Dominick Nelson was ready to step up when his number was called in the NCAA Tournament after teammate Joshua Jefferson suffered an ankle injury. Nelson logged nine points, five free throws, two rebounds, an assist, a block and a steal in 19 minutes against Tennessee State, tying his season-high for playing time. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger praised Nelson's character and preparation, noting that he stayed ready despite a shrinking rotation earlier in the season.

Why it matters

Nelson's performance highlights the importance of staying mentally and physically prepared, even when playing time is limited. His ability to contribute in a big moment could be crucial as the Cyclones look to advance in the NCAA Tournament without one of their top players.

The details

Nelson, a senior who transferred to Iowa State from Utah Valley, had seen his role diminish in recent months, appearing in just six of the previous 16 games before the NCAA Tournament. But when Jefferson went down with an ankle injury early in the first-round win over Tennessee State, Nelson was thrust into action and made the most of his opportunity, providing a spark off the bench.

  • On March 20, Joshua Jefferson suffered an ankle injury just minutes into Iowa State's NCAA Tournament first-round game against Tennessee State.
  • On March 22, Iowa State is scheduled to face 7-seed Kentucky in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at 1:45 p.m. CT.

The players

Dominick Nelson

A senior guard for Iowa State who transferred from Utah Valley, where he was named WAC Player of the Year. He has had to adjust to a reduced role this season but stayed ready for his chance.

Joshua Jefferson

One of Iowa State's best players, who suffered an ankle injury early in the Cyclones' NCAA Tournament first-round win over Tennessee State. His status is "unlikely" for the second-round matchup with Kentucky.

T.J. Otzelberger

The head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones, who praised Nelson's character and preparation in staying ready for his opportunity.

Cade Kelderman

An Iowa State teammate of Nelson's who also had to step up due to injuries, and who commended Nelson for not complaining and continuing to work hard despite reduced playing time.

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What they’re saying

“Anything can happen, I'd say that was the biggest thing he told me. You never know what's going on, and unfortunately one of our best players went down, but coach called my name and I had to just be prepared for it, and I felt like I was.”

— Dominick Nelson, Iowa State Senior Guard

“I think earlier in the year, when we cut to eight in the rotation, he's shown tremendous character. He's stayed ready for the moment and the opportunity, and I think when guys do that and that opportunity comes around, they're going to be prepared.”

— T.J. Otzelberger, Iowa State Head Coach

“(Nelson) puts the work in, he didn't check out. It can be hard to not do that, but he put the work in. He didn't complain when he wasn't getting those opportunities and stayed ready. He has a game like (Friday) where he hasn't been in the rotation in however many games, but he goes out there and produces and we're all super happy for him.”

— Cade Kelderman, Iowa State Teammate

What’s next

If Joshua Jefferson is unable to play against Kentucky, it's likely that Dominick Nelson will see another significant share of minutes in the Cyclones' second-round NCAA Tournament matchup.

The takeaway

Nelson's performance against Tennessee State demonstrates the value of staying mentally and physically prepared, even when playing time is limited. His ability to step up in a big moment could be crucial for Iowa State as they look to advance in the NCAA Tournament without one of their top players.