Maryland guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie commits to Tennessee

BY ALEJANDRO LOPEZ

Tennessee is fortifying its backcourt after its elimination in the Elite 8.

Maryland guard Ja’kobi Gillespie committed to Tennessee on Friday. The 6-foot-1 guard averaged 14.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 5 assists per game in his junior season.

Maryland reached the Sweet 16 this season before losing to No. 1 Florida, which also defeated Tennessee in the SEC tournament championship game.

Maryland’s journey to the Sweet 16 was surrounded by controversy due to head coach Kevin Willard’s public comments about the team and his departure to Villanova.

Gillespie’s father reposted a post on X that criticized Willard’s actions during the team’s run to the Sweet 16.

Here's the Tweet Ja'Kobi Gillespie's dad reposted. Article on Gillespie to Tennessee via @bendickson__ below. pic.twitter.com/MGSOXaojcv

— Jeff Ermann (@Jeff_Ermann) April 4, 2025

Now, Gillespie will join Tennessee in the SEC in hopes of making an even deeper tournament run.

Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter

Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram

And Like ZAGS on Facebook

Follow Alejandro Lopez on Twitter