Iowa State will not have its second-leading scorer, Keshon Gilbert, available during the NCAA Tournament after the senior guard re-aggravated a groin injury in the Cyclones’ victory over Cincinnati in the Big 12 Tournament.
Gilbert, who had been laboring through the ailment for weeks, sat out four games since Iowa State’s Feb. 22 loss to then-No. 5 Houston. But he played only 11 minutes against Cincinnati, and that was his last time on the court for the season, and for his four-year collegiate career.
“We have come to the decision that he needs to prioritize his rehab and his body getting back right,” the head coach, T.J. Otzelberger, said. “He is not in a position to avail himself as we move forward.”
Gilbert was originally classified as day-to-day, and he told reporters ahead of the matchup that he was hopeful of being able to play through the injury, but it was too much to overcome. Otzelberger’s remarks reflected that all hope of a return, even with a deep tournament run by Iowa State, was gone.
Gilbert, a former UNLV player, transferred to Iowa State where he was a two-time All-Big 12 selection. He also logged a team-high 31.4 minutes this season while averaging 13.4 points, 4.1 assists, 3.5 rebounds and close to two steals per game.
The No. 3 seed Cyclones will play No. 14 Lipscomb in Milwaukee on Friday in the opening round of the South Region, but they will have to do so without one of their most impactful players.
