Senior Staff Writer/Editor/Host
After years of sharpening his craft at Belmont and Maryland, Ja’Kobi Gillespie has come home. The prodigal son of Tennessee basketball isn’t just back — he’s ready to lead the Vols to the promised land.
Freshman Nate Ament might be the talk of the team — and for good reason — but you can’t let that overshadow what Gillespie brings to Knoxville. Zakai Zeigler was the heart and soul of the program, and rightfully so. But Ja’Kobi brings a different kind of fire, one that could unlock the offense in ways Tennessee fans haven’t seen before.
During his freshman season at Belmont, Gillespie made an immediate impact — averaging 9 points, 3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 45% from the field. As a sophomore, he took a massive leap, posting 17 points, four assists, and two steals a night on an efficient 56% from the floor and 38% from three.
That breakout campaign drew national attention. Gillespie ultimately transferred to Maryland, where he joined the “Crab Five” alongside Rodney Rice, Selton Miguel, Julian Reese, and Derik Queen. There, he continued to shine, averaging 14 points, four assists, and nearly two steals per game while shooting 45% from the field and 40% from deep.
Gillespie has already started making noise in Knoxville. During Tennessee’s open scrimmage on Saturday before the football game against Arkansas, he erupted for 34 points — shooting 8-of-12 from the field and a blistering 6-of-9 from three.
The upcoming scrimmage against Duke on October 26th presents Gillespie with the perfect opportunity to make his arrival official. His journey already feels like something out of a Disney movie — a hometown kid returning to lead his team. Time will tell if it ends like one, with the credits rolling on a storybook season in Knoxville.
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