In a major roster upgrade, the Tennessee Volunteers have secured the commitment of Ja’Kobi Gillespie, an elite guard from Maryland, via the transfer portal. With the departures of Chaz Lanier, Zakai Zeigler, and Jordan Gainey, Tennessee was in need of a dynamic playmaker, and Gillespie fits the bill perfectly.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie Brings Star Power to Knoxville
A Greeneville, Tennessee native, Gillespie first made waves at Belmont University, where he averaged 17.2 points per game before transferring to Maryland. With the Terrapins, he started all 36 games, averaging 14.7 points and 4.8 assists per game, earning All-Big Ten honors.
His scoring ability, defensive tenacity, and leadership on the court make him a perfect fit for Tennessee’s fast-paced system under head coach Rick Barnes. Gillespie’s return to his home state is seen as a full-circle moment, allowing him to thrive in front of a home crowd while bolstering Tennessee’s chances of an SEC title run.
Why Gillespie Chose Tennessee
Despite interest from other top programs like Kentucky, Gillespie ultimately chose Tennessee due to:
✅ Immediate playing time in a system that suits his skills.
✅ Familiarity with Tennessee basketball culture from his high school days.
✅ Rick Barnes’ reputation for developing guards at the highest level.
✅ A chance to be a leader on a team primed for a deep NCAA Tournament run.
What’s Next?
With Gillespie leading the charge, Tennessee’s backcourt is reloaded and ready to dominate the SEC in 2025-26. His elite scoring, vision, and defensive skills ensure that the Volunteers remain one of the nation’s most exciting teams to watch.
Vol Nation, get ready—Ja’Kobi Gillespie is coming home! 🏀🔥
