The Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball program is making headlines as they aggressively pursue Ja’Kobi Gillespie, a talented guard who recently entered the transfer portal. With the departures of key guards Chaz Lanier, Zakai Zeigler, and Jordan Gainey, Tennessee is in dire need of experienced backcourt talent to maintain its competitive standing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Who is Ja’Kobi Gillespie?
Ja’Kobi Gillespie, a Greeneville, Tennessee native, was a standout player at Belmont University before transferring to Maryland. During his time with the Terrapins, he started all 36 games and averaged 14.7 points and 4.8 assists per game, earning him a third-team All-Big Ten selection【27】.
Gillespie initially made a name for himself in high school, leading Greeneville High School to a Tennessee 2A state championship and earning the 2022 Tennessee Mr. Basketball award. His impressive performances at Belmont, where he averaged 17.2 points per game in his second season, solidified his reputation as a rising star before transferring to Maryland【27】.
Why is Tennessee the Favorite?
Several top programs, including Kentucky, have expressed interest in Gillespie, but Tennessee is widely considered the frontrunner for several key reasons:
- Strong Home-State Ties: Gillespie is a Tennessee native, and playing close to home could be a major factor in his decision.
- Immediate Playing Time: With multiple guards leaving, Tennessee can offer Gillespie a starting role and significant minutes.
- System Fit: His scoring ability, court vision, and defensive skills align well with Rick Barnes’ system at Tennessee.
- Maryland’s Coaching Changes: Gillespie’s entry into the transfer portal coincides with Maryland’s coaching shakeup, which could be pushing him toward a new program【27】.
What’s Next?
With the transfer window open until the end of April, Tennessee is expected to finalize its roster additions soon. If they successfully land Gillespie, the Volunteers will solidify their backcourt and strengthen their chances of competing at the highest level in the SEC for the upcoming season【27】.
