Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee's standout senior guard, has left an indelible mark on the program with a season that will be remembered for years. Averaging 18.3 points per game, Gillespie not only led the Volunteers in scoring but also etched his name in the UT record books by hitting 101 three-pointers, becoming one of just four players in Tennessee history to achieve this feat in a single season.
Gillespie's journey to Knoxville was anything but straightforward. After starting his collegiate career at Belmont, he transferred to Maryland for the 2024-2025 season. His path took another turn when he entered the transfer portal again, quickly committing to Tennessee and returning to his home state.
Reflecting on his time with the Volunteers, Gillespie expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play under Coach Rick Barnes. “I’m blessed to have the career I did,” he shared after Tennessee's season-ending loss to Michigan.
“I enjoyed every year. I’m forever grateful for Coach Barnes for bringing me back home and allowing me to be the point guard of a great team.”
In his final game, despite the team's 95-62 loss to Michigan in Chicago, Gillespie delivered a stellar performance with 21 points, four assists, and four rebounds. He also provided a highlight-reel moment with a spectacular dunk over Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg, a play that will be talked about for seasons to come.
Gillespie's career stats are impressive, averaging 14.9 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game across his stints at three different schools. This season, he was a steadying force for Tennessee, especially as freshman star Nate Ament found his footing. Gillespie's efforts earned him First Team All-SEC honors and the SEC Newcomer of the Year award, marking the third consecutive year a Tennessee player has received this accolade.
With Zakai Zeigler's departure, Gillespie was thrust into a leadership role, shouldering much of the offensive load. His ability to navigate the challenges of the season and lead the team in scoring speaks volumes about his talent and resilience. Gillespie's time at Tennessee may have been brief, but his impact will be felt long after his departure.