Tennessee's point guard, Ja’Kobi Gillespie, is on the brink of a remarkable single-season achievement as he heads into the Sweet 16 showdown against Iowa State. With 97 three-pointers made this season, Gillespie is closing in on the elite club of Vols players who have reached the 110 mark in a single season.
Chaz Lanier set the Tennessee record with 123 triples last year, while Chris Lofton famously surpassed the century mark in three different seasons, peaking at 118 in his senior year. Santiago Vescovi also joined this exclusive group with 102 triples in the 2021-22 season.
Currently, Gillespie ranks seventh in Tennessee's single-season history for three-pointers made, trailing Allan Houston, who hit 99 during the 1990-91 season. At 6-foot-1, Gillespie’s shooting percentage from beyond the arc stands at 34.5% this season, a dip from his previous stints at Maryland and Belmont. Yet, despite the increased defensive pressure, he's managed to make more threes this year.
Gillespie's impact on the court extends well beyond his shooting stats. Averaging 18.4 points, 5.6 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game, he's a critical asset for Tennessee.
EvanMiya’s BPR ratings even rank him as the fifth most crucial player to his team nationwide. Tennessee relies heavily on Gillespie’s playmaking and scoring abilities, especially given their lack of other ball handlers and perimeter threats.
Last weekend in Philadelphia, Gillespie was instrumental in Tennessee's victories over Miami (Ohio) and Virginia, combining for 50 points, 15 assists, nine rebounds, and four steals. His performance placed him in the company of NCAA legends like Kemba Walker and Billy Donovan, as he became just the third player in the modern era to notch 50 points and 15 assists in the first two tournament games.
After a regular-season shooting slump, Gillespie found his rhythm again, hitting nine of 16 from deep in those two crucial wins. Now, as Tennessee prepares to face Iowa State’s formidable defense, Gillespie aims to keep his hot streak alive.
The Vols and Cyclones tip off at 10:10 p.m. ET, with the game being broadcast on TNT and TruTV.