Iowa State’s run in the NCAA Tournament will come without standout senior guard Keshon Gilbert, who has been ruled out because of a groin injury, coach T.J. Otzelberger announced Sunday.
The Cyclones (24-9), ranked No. 12 in the nation, are seeded third in the South Region with a first-round game Friday against 14th-seeded Lipscomb (25-9) in Milwaukee.
“With Keshon, we decided that he needs to focus on his rehab and getting his body back right, so he won’t be available as we move forward,” Otzelberger said. “He’s just got to focus on him getting back healthy and getting back to being him.”
Gilbert was an All-Big 12 third-team selection in what apparently will be his final season. He averaged 13.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals and led the team with 4.1 assists and 31.6 minutes per game. A second-team pick last season, Gilbert started 28 of the 29 games he played this season.
He missed four of the team’s last seven games, playing on Wednesday in the conference tournament win over Cincinnati. He was limited to 11 minutes and was 1-for-2 from 3-point range for three points. Gilbert didn’t play in the Cyclones’ 96-92 loss to No. 17 BYU in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
Gilbert posted on social media on Sunday, “love/appreciate all of your support! I want yall to (know) that there is nothing more to the situation. I’m battling an injury that just can’t seem to get better while playing on it. But enough about me! We a 3 seed in Milwaukee .. (I know) the guys are going to make you all proud!”
Otzelberger said junior guard Tamin Lipsey is expected to return to action after sustaining a lower-body injury against Cincinnati.
“He’s progressing well and each day he’s getting better, so we fully anticipate he’ll be ready to go for our game on Friday,” Otzelberger said.
Lipsey was voted to the All-Big 12 third team and to the All-Defensive Team. He averages 10.8 points and 2.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals in 32 games (all starts).
–Field Level Media
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