Tennessee's point guard, Ja’Kobi Gillespie, may not have snagged any All-American honors this season, but according to EvanMiya.com, he's a hidden gem in college basketball. Gillespie's performance, measured by the Baynesian Performance Rating, ranks him as the fifth most valuable player nationwide. Only Duke's Cameron Boozer, Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg, Purdue's Braden Smith, and Michigan State's Jeremy Fears sit above him on this list.
Heading into the Sweet 16, Gillespie is averaging an impressive 18.4 points per game, shooting 34.5% from beyond the arc, and contributing 5.6 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per contest. But those numbers only scratch the surface of his true impact on the Tennessee Volunteers.
Tennessee leans heavily on Gillespie, especially given their lack of other ball handlers and perimeter threats. His presence on the court is a game-changer for the Vols, who thrive with him in action but struggle without him.
Tennessee assistant coach Gregg Polinsky highlighted Gillespie's resilience after a crucial win over Virginia, noting his ability to play over 38 minutes and bounce back from a late-game turnover. "Think how great Gillespie is today," Polinsky remarked, emphasizing the point guard's endurance and the team's reliance on him.
Gillespie's recent performances in Philadelphia were nothing short of spectacular. He led Tennessee past Miami (Ohio) and Virginia, tallying a combined 50 points, 15 assists, nine rebounds, and four steals. This feat places him alongside legends like UConn’s Kemba Walker and Providence’s Billy Donovan, as one of the few players to achieve such numbers in the first two games of the NCAA Tournament.
After a regular season shooting slump, Gillespie regained his rhythm, hitting nine of his 16 three-point attempts in those victories. As Tennessee prepares to face Iowa State and their formidable defense in the Sweet 16, Gillespie will be looking to maintain his hot streak.
The matchup tips off at 10:10 p.m. ET, with coverage on TNT and TruTV.
Keep an eye on Gillespie-his play could be the key to Tennessee's continued success.