In the new era of college basketball, teams aren’t solely relying on high school recruiting and long-term development anymore. While that’s still part of the equation, the Transfer Portal has changed the game. Misses in high school recruiting aren’t nearly as costly, and coaches now have the ability to bring in high-level, win-now talent to quickly elevate their roster.
Rick Barnes took three transfers last offseason, with point guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie, guard Amaree Abram, and forward Jaylen Carey. Gillespie has been the best of the three, no doubt, averaging 18 points a game and 5.6 assists a night. Gillespie also plays stellar defense at 2.1 steals per game.
ESPN released its list of the top 25 transfers in college basketball, and it's easy to see why Tennessee point guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie earned a spot. Gillespie came in at No. 7 overall and ranked as the No. 2 transfer in the SEC, trailing only Auburn’s Keyshawn Hall.
It's no surprise Tennessee PG Ja'Kobi Gillespie named a top transfer by ESPN
As we turn the page and shift our focus to March Madness, Gillespie has proven to be a tremendous addition to the Tennessee roster. He’s a major reason the Vols are headed to the Big Dance this March. When Nate Ament struggled early in the season, Gillespie provided a steady, consistent presence and helped keep Tennessee on track.
The Tennessee Vols are looking like a team that will fall on the No. 5 or No. 6 line this NCAA Tournament. Gillespie will need to be on his game if the Vols want to make it to the second weekend, as they will have to upset a higher seed in round two. Gillespie had a huge performance against South Carolina, dishing out a career-high 12 assists. If he continues to embrace the floor general role while still adding 10–15 points per night, Tennessee becomes a more dangerous team.
Rick Barnes did a great job overall in the portal, but Gillespie has been the star addition. He embodies everything about the Vols culture and he can take this team to the next level this March.