Ja’Kobi Gillespie has been turning heads in the SEC, earning First Team All-SEC honors and being named SEC Newcomer of the Year by the Associated Press. Yet, even the best hit rough patches, and Gillespie's recent shooting slump has been a challenge. Over the past three weeks, his three-point shooting has dipped to 22.6%, a stark contrast to his usual form.
Despite this, Tennessee's head coach, Rick Barnes, remains confident. "Guys go through it," Barnes noted, expressing faith in Gillespie's ability to bounce back.
Gillespie’s Shooting Pedigree
Before this slump, Gillespie was a force from beyond the arc, hitting 36% of his threes and on track to surpass 100 made triples for the first time in his career. Currently at 85, that milestone is still within reach.
Last season at Maryland, he nailed 87 threes at a 40.7% clip, benefiting from more open looks. His sophomore year at Belmont saw him shoot 39% from deep.
Clearly, Gillespie has the chops to be a top-tier shooter.
Heavy Minutes on the Court
Pinpointing the cause of Gillespie's struggles isn't straightforward. One factor could be his workload.
Gillespie has been logging heavy minutes, averaging 35.9 per game over the last ten contests, including over 40 minutes in overtime victories against Texas A&M and Georgia. With fellow star Nate Ament sidelined, Gillespie's role has expanded, possibly contributing to fatigue.
Beyond Shooting
Gillespie’s game isn't just about shooting. His evolution as a point guard is evident, particularly in his 12-assist performance against South Carolina, where he kept turnovers to a minimum.
Coach Barnes emphasized that when Gillespie focuses on the flow of the game rather than just scoring, he excels. His ability to distribute the ball and control the game is crucial, especially as he finished second in the SEC in assists per game.
For Tennessee to hit their stride, Gillespie needs to regain his shooting touch. Yet, his all-around game continues to be a vital asset, showcasing that he’s more than just a shooter. As the Vols push forward, Gillespie’s resilience and versatility will be key to their success.