Iowa State's top playmaker Keshon Gilbert to miss NCAA tournament

Iowa State guard Keshon Gilbert during a matchup against Arizona (2025)
Iowa State guard Keshon Gilbert during a matchup against Arizona (2025)Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP
Iowa State will be "moving forward" without star guard Keshon Gilbert (21) for the NCAA tournament, according to head coach T.J. Otzelberger.

Gilbert, who has been dealing with a groin injury, was out for four of the past seven games for Iowa State (24-9). 

The absence of Iowa State's team leader in points (13.4), assists (4.1), and minutes played (31.6) will leave a big hole in their starting five for the rest of the NCAA tournament. 

Iowa State is set to take on 14th-seeded Lipscomb on March 21st at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time (New York) and will air on TNT.

The six-foot-four Senior will, unfortunately, have to spend the rest of his final season on the bench cheering his team on as they try to make a title run a three-seed. 

If Iowa State beats Lipscomb, they will face the winner between (#5) Ole Miss and (#11) San Diego State/University of North Carolina (play-in game on Tuesday, March 18th).

Click here for the full NCAA March Madness Round of 64 matchups and tip-off times!