Everyone is still buzzing over the Tennessee basketball team landing quite the playmaker via the transfer portal. In case you somehow missed it, Maryland point guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie, one of the top PGs on the open market, announced for UT on Friday.
Make no mistake about it - this is a big-time get for head man Rick Barnes, especially with Vols legend Zakai Zeigler just playing in his last game. Gillespie will have some massive shoes to fill, but he's a stud playmaker who can make the loss of Zeigler much smaller.
While he's a stud on the hardwood, it looks like he's already working to make an impact off the court for Barnes and Co. In an interview with reporter Ben McKee, Gillespie said he has wasted no time on the recruiting trail, with his list including 5-star power forward Nate Ament:
Asked Ja'Kobi Gillespie if he was going to begin recruiting now that he's committed to Tennessee.
— Ben McKee (@benmckee14) April 4, 2025
"I've already started. Nate Ament, and my boy Rodney Rice."https://t.co/GIGX3nAXmS
Vols PG Ja'Kobi Gillespie is trying to help Tennessee land 5-star PF Nate Ament
Imagine if Gillespie comes through in the clutch here. It surely won't be easy, as Ament appears to be leaning towards either Arkansas or Louisville. However, with the nation's No. 2 ranked PF delaying his decision, it could be good news for Barnes.
Originally, the elite prospect was all set to shut things down and make a decision at the McDonald's All-American Game, but he pushed things back. Now, teams across the country are hoping to turn his head before he eventually does put the pen to paper.
That's where Gillespie can come in. The fact that the Tennessee native is putting in work with Ament is a good sign. He could come in and make an immediate impact for this team next season, which is something Barnes must be selling him on too. There will be a tall climb up the proverbial mountain to get this kid to commit to Tennessee, but Gillespie is grinding to see if he can make some magic happen .