It’s official.
Tennessee made a quick splash in the transfer portal following their exit in the NCAA Tournament, landing a commitment from former Maryland point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie. On Monday, Tennessee and Gillespie made things official with a signature.
The former All-Big Ten selection will lead Tennessee next season, trying to fill the shoes of the outgoing Zakai Zeigler. Gillespie will be one of a few transfer guards in this class, but adding him to start was a critical piece of the puzzle. Rick Barnes and his staff will now piece the remainder of the roster together around him.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ja’Kobi to Rocky Top, a place he and his wonderful family know well as East Tennessee natives who bleed orange,” Barnes said after things were made official. “Ja’Kobi is a high-character young man who fits our program and truly wants to be a Volunteer.”
Gillespie averaged over 14 points per game for Maryland last season, adding 4.8 assists. The Tennessee native began his career at Belmont, where he spent two seasons. Gillespie hit the portal ahead of his junior season, landing at Maryland. With one season remaining, Gillespie returns home.
“A dynamic point guard who can really shoot the ball from deep and get his teammates involved, Ja’Kobi is a fearless competitor with a high basketball IQ,” Barnes continued. “We expect him to help lead our team from day one and we feel quite fortunate to have him as a part of our program.”
Gillespie made his decision to hit the portal after his head coach, Kevin Willard, bolted for the Villanova job. Tennessee was quickly in contact and got things wrapped up before Willard could get him on campus at Villanova for a visit.
The 6-1 guard has 68 career starts, bringing much-needed experience to the new-look Tennessee backcourt. The Volunteers only bring back Bishop Boswell there, following the exit of Zeigler, Chaz Lanier, Jahmai Mashack and Jordan Gainey. Tennessee is after several more guards in the portal after landing just three players in the class of 2025.
Per 247Sports, Gillespie was the seventh ranked player in the entire portal class.