BREAKING: Maryland transfer G Ja’Kobi Gillespie has committed to Tennessee.
In a significant development for Tennessee Volunteers basketball, former Maryland point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie has committed to the University of Tennessee. This move not only strengthens Tennessee’s backcourt but also marks a return to Gillespie’s home state, adding a personal dimension to his decision.Reuters
Background
Ja’Kobi Gillespie hails from Greeneville, Tennessee, approximately 70 miles east of Knoxville, where the University of Tennessee is located. His journey through collegiate basketball has been marked by notable achievements and strategic transfers.
Early Career at Belmont
Gillespie began his college career at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. In his freshman year (2022-2023), he averaged 9.6 points and 3.3 assists per game, earning a spot on the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) All-Freshman Team. He continued to excel in his sophomore year (2023-2024), with averages of 17.2 points, 4.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game. This performance led to second-team All-MVC honors, inclusion in the MVC All-Defensive Team, and a place on the MVC Most Improved Team. Following this successful stint, Gillespie entered the NCAA transfer portal. ReutersWikipedia
Transition to Maryland
In April 2024, Gillespie transferred to the University of Maryland. During the 2024-2025 season, he made a significant impact, averaging 14.7 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game. His performance included 87 three-pointers and 69 steals, contributing to Maryland’s advancement to the Sweet 16. For his efforts, Gillespie was named third-team All-Big Ten. Rocky Top InsiderA Sea Of Blue+2Reuters+2Rocky Top Insider+2Wikipedia+1A Sea Of Blue+1
Decision to Return Home
The departure of Maryland’s head coach, Kevin Willard, to Villanova created a turning point for Gillespie. He expressed a strong desire to return to Tennessee, stating that the decision felt like a “no-brainer.” Gillespie’s emotional connection to his home state played a significant role in his choice, as he mentioned that thinking about Tennessee excited him and made the decision easier. Wikipedia+2Reuters+2Rocky Top Insider+2
Impact on Tennessee Basketball
Gillespie’s arrival addresses a critical need for Tennessee, which sought a new point guard following the graduation of Zakai Zeigler, the school’s all-time leader in career assists. Gillespie’s experience and skill set are expected to seamlessly integrate into Tennessee’s system, enhancing their backcourt strength. Reuters+1A Sea Of Blue+1
Recruitment of Rodney Rice
Beyond his commitment, Gillespie is actively recruiting his former Maryland teammate, Rodney Rice, to join him at Tennessee. He described Rice as a “pure scorer” with the ability to shoot off screens and create opportunities without needing the ball in his hands for long periods. Gillespie emphasized their close relationship, having been roommates at Maryland, and expressed a strong desire to play alongside Rice for the remaining years of their collegiate careers. 247 Sports+2Rocky Top Insider+2Reuters+2
Rankings and Recognition
Gillespie’s status in the transfer portal was highly regarded. EvanMiya ranked him as the No. 1 player and top point guard available. 247Sports placed him as the No. 6 overall player and No. 3 point guard. On3 ranked him fifth overall and third among point guards. The Athletic listed him as the 13th player and fourth guard in the portal. Rocky Top Insider+1A Sea Of Blue+1
Looking Ahead
With Gillespie’s commitment, Tennessee bolsters its roster with a seasoned point guard capable of making an immediate impact. His leadership, scoring ability, and experience in high-pressure games position the Volunteers for a strong upcoming season. The potential addition of Rodney Rice would further enhance the team’s backcourt, creating a dynamic duo reminiscent of their successful tenure at Maryland.
