Ja’Kobi Gillespie is making his presence felt in a big way for Tennessee basketball-and now, the SEC is taking notice. The sophomore point guard has been named Co-SEC Player of the Week, sharing the honor with Kentucky’s Otega Oweh after a standout stretch that helped the Vols get back on track.
Coming off a tough three-game skid, Tennessee needed a spark. Gillespie delivered it-and then some.
He led the Vols to back-to-back blowout wins over Louisville and Gardner-Webb, averaging 19 points, seven assists, and three rebounds across the two games. He also knocked down 40% of his shots from beyond the arc, showcasing the kind of efficiency and poise that’s becoming his signature.
This marks the fourth time this season a Tennessee player has taken home a weekly SEC award. Freshman Nate Ament has already claimed three SEC Freshman of the Week honors, but Gillespie’s recognition is the Vols' first Player of the Week nod this season. And it’s well-earned.
Gillespie’s impact goes beyond the box score. Against Louisville-a top-15 opponent-he controlled the tempo, made smart reads, and set the tone early.
That 21-point win wasn’t just a bounce-back; it was a statement. Then came Gardner-Webb, where the Vols steamrolled their way to a 42-point victory.
Gillespie again orchestrated the offense with precision, balancing scoring and playmaking in a way that’s becoming second nature for him.
On the season, Gillespie is putting up 17.6 points per game on 42% shooting overall, while hitting 34.7% from deep. He’s also averaging 5.7 assists and 2.8 rebounds per contest-numbers that reflect his all-around value to this Tennessee squad. Whether he’s pushing the pace in transition or settling things down in the half-court, Gillespie is proving to be the engine that keeps the Vols humming.
Tennessee now sits at 9-3 on the season and has climbed to No. 19 in the AP Poll. That’s a strong position considering the recent skid, and it speaks to how quickly this team has righted the ship. With Gillespie leading the charge, the Vols look like a group that’s finding its rhythm at just the right time.
Next up is a final non-conference tune-up against South Carolina State on December 30. The Bulldogs come in at 1-12 overall and winless on the road, ranking No. 361 nationally per KenPom. It’s a game Tennessee should handle, but it also serves as one last chance to tighten things up before the real grind begins.
That grind starts January 3, when the Vols travel to face No. 18 Arkansas in their SEC opener.
It’s a marquee showdown against a tough Razorbacks squad coached by John Calipari, and it’ll be a key early test in conference play. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.
ET on ESPN2.
For Tennessee, the path forward is clear-and if Gillespie keeps playing at this level, the Vols will be right in the thick of the SEC race.