Ja’Kobi Gillespie, a native of Greeneville, visits the Tennessee Vols

Ja’Kobi Gillespie, a highly talented basketball player from Greeneville, Tennessee, has become one of the most exciting prospects in the transfer portal. With a career that has seen him develop into a highly sought-after guard, his recent visit to the University of Tennessee Vols has sparked a great deal of interest and speculation about his future. Known for his scoring ability, leadership, and overall basketball IQ, Gillespie’s potential addition to Tennessee’s roster would be a significant boost to their backcourt. As the Vols work to fill key positions after the departure of several key players, the addition of a player like Gillespie could be the missing piece to their championship aspirations.

Gillespie’s story begins in Greeneville, a small town in East Tennessee where he quickly became one of the state’s most prominent high school basketball players. Growing up in a basketball-centric community, Gillespie was immersed in the sport from a young age. He honed his skills on the court and quickly rose through the ranks at Greeneville High School. His performance there was nothing short of remarkable, earning him statewide recognition and solidifying his place as one of Tennessee’s top basketball players. His ability to score at all levels, whether it was driving to the basket or shooting from long range, made him a nightmare for opposing defenders. As a high school junior, Gillespie led Greeneville to a state championship and was named the Tennessee Mr. Basketball, an honor that solidified his reputation as one of the best players in the state.

Gillespie’s success at the high school level earned him a scholarship to play college basketball at Belmont University, where he continued to develop his game. At Belmont, Gillespie immediately made an impact, showing his versatility as both a scorer and a playmaker. Over the course of his two seasons with the Bruins, he showcased his ability to score in a variety of ways. Whether it was hitting deep three-pointers, driving to the hoop, or distributing the ball to his teammates, Gillespie quickly earned a reputation as one of the most dynamic players in the NCAA. His sophomore season was particularly impressive, as he averaged over 17 points per game and helped lead Belmont to a strong finish in the Missouri Valley Conference.

As his success continued at Belmont, it became clear that Gillespie’s potential was far greater than what he had achieved so far. His impressive performances in the Missouri Valley Conference earned him widespread attention, and it wasn’t long before bigger programs began to take notice. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ made him an ideal candidate for any top-tier program looking to strengthen its backcourt. In 2024, he decided to transfer to the University of Maryland, where he hoped to take his game to the next level and compete in one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, the Big Ten.

During his time at Maryland, Gillespie’s game continued to evolve. In his first season with the Terrapins, he was thrust into a leadership role and responded well, averaging 14.7 points per game, 4.8 assists, and demonstrating his ability to run the offense efficiently. His shooting accuracy, particularly from beyond the arc, made him a constant scoring threat, and his presence on the court was felt on both ends. Gillespie’s ability to elevate his game against tougher competition in the Big Ten proved that he could excel at the highest levels of college basketball, and his performance helped lead Maryland to a successful season, including a trip to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament. His all-around contributions earned him third-team All-Big Ten honors, solidifying his reputation as one of the top players in the conference.

However, after the departure of Maryland’s head coach Kevin Willard to Villanova, Gillespie entered the transfer portal in late March 2025, leaving the door open for programs across the country to make their pitch. As one of the top guards available, Gillespie’s decision to enter the portal immediately drew the attention of some of the biggest programs in the country. While numerous schools began to recruit him, one school in particular stood out to Gillespie: the University of Tennessee.

For Gillespie, the prospect of returning to Tennessee to play for the Volunteers was an appealing one. Having grown up in Greeneville, just a short distance from Knoxville, the idea of playing for his home-state school was incredibly enticing. Tennessee has been a consistent contender in college basketball, and with a rich history of success and a passionate fan base, the Volunteers provided an ideal environment for Gillespie to continue his development. Furthermore, the Vols’ basketball program, under head coach Rick Barnes, has been known for its focus on defense, toughness, and team-oriented basketball—all values that align with Gillespie’s style of play. For him, joining Tennessee would not only allow him to play for a top-tier program but also provide him with the chance to return home, where friends and family could more easily attend his games and support him in person.

On April 2, 2025, Gillespie visited the University of Tennessee’s campus, and the visit appeared to go exceptionally well. The Vols’ coaching staff, led by Barnes, wasted no time in making a strong pitch to the talented guard, emphasizing the opportunity to play in front of his home-state fans and the chance to compete for a national championship. Tennessee’s emphasis on developing players into pros would be an attractive proposition for Gillespie, who has aspirations of playing at the next level. With the Vols coming off a strong season, and with their current roster needs at the guard position, the addition of Gillespie would provide an immediate upgrade to their backcourt. His leadership, scoring ability, and experience would make him an ideal fit for Tennessee’s system.

Beyond the basketball aspects, Gillespie’s visit allowed him to reconnect with his roots in Tennessee. Growing up in Greeneville, he often watched the Volunteers from a distance, dreaming of one day donning the orange and white and playing in Thompson-Boling Arena. For Gillespie, the opportunity to represent his home state on the biggest stage of college basketball is something that has always been a dream. The visit to Knoxville gave him a chance to experience the excitement of playing for one of the top programs in the country, while also considering the personal connections that would make his time at Tennessee even more meaningful.

While his commitment to Tennessee has not yet been made official, all signs point to the Volunteers being a strong contender to land Gillespie. His visit was just the latest step in what is expected to be a major decision in his basketball career. As one of the top players in the transfer portal, Gillespie’s choice will not only impact his future but also have significant implications for the future of Tennessee basketball. If the Vols are able to secure his commitment, they will be adding a highly skilled and experienced player who could make an immediate impact on their team.

For Gillespie, his journey from Greeneville to Maryland and possibly back to Tennessee represents a significant growth trajectory, both as a player and as a person. His rise from a standout high school player to one of the top transfers in college basketball is a testament to his hard work, determination, and commitment to improving his game. As he prepares to make his final decision, Gillespie’s future in college basketball is bright, and wherever he ends up, he will undoubtedly continue to turn heads and make an impact on the court.

The potential addition of Ja’Kobi Gillespie to the University of Tennessee basketball program would be a game-changer for the Vols, and his visit to Knoxville has only fueled excitement about what’s to come. Whether he decides to return to his home state and play for Tennessee or pursue another opportunity, one thing is clear: Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s future is incredibly promising, and his journey through the college basketball ranks is just beginning.