In an exciting development for Tennessee Basketball, guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie, formerly of Maryland, has officially committed to join the Volunteers for the upcoming season. This marks a significant boost for Tennessee as they revitalize their backcourt after losing key players. Gillespie made the announcement via social media on Friday, leaving fans buzzing with anticipation.

Last season, Gillespie had an impressive run with the Terrapins, starting all 36 games and averaging 14.7 points, 4.8 assists, and an impressive shooting percentage of 45.3% from the field, along with 40.7% from beyond the arc. His ability to drain 87 of 214 three-point attempts makes him a valuable addition for the Vols, who are looking to enhance their perimeter shooting.

Tennessee coaches made a pivotal visit to Gillespie on Wednesday, shortly before the NCAA recruiting dead period took effect. During this time, the Vols had already emerged as frontrunners since Gillespie entered the NCAA Transfer Portal just days prior. The dead period, which spans from Thursday to April 10, means that official recruiting activities will be put on hold temporarily.

A Greeneville, Tenn. native, Gillespie previously played two seasons at Belmont, showcasing his skills as he averaged 12.9 points, 3.7 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. In a breakout sophomore year during the 2023-24 season, he elevated his performance to an average of 17.2 points and 4.2 assists, starting 24 out of 25 games.

Notably, Gillespie’s transfer comes on the heels of former Maryland coach Kevin Willard's departure to Villanova, a move that created a ripple effect in the NCAA. Not only has Tennessee secured a promising talent, but Gillespie was also courted by powerhouse programs such as Kentucky, North Carolina, and Villanova.

As Tennessee gears up for the next season, the focus is also on restructuring their roster. The Vols are set to lose six seniors, including key contributors like Zakai Zeigler and Jahmai Mashack, leaving them with ample opportunities for new recruits and transfers. Currently, Tennessee’s roster will feature returning forwards Cade Phillips, JP Estrella, and junior Felix Okpara, along with freshman guard Bishop Boswell.

In addition to Gillespie, Tennessee's coaching staff has their sights set on a variety of players in the transfer portal, including those from Division II programs and other schools, indicating an aggressive approach to strengthening the roster.

With Gillespie on board, the Volunteers look poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season as they aim to reclaim their competitive edge in college basketball. Fans will be eagerly waiting to see how this strategic addition unfolds on the court!