Tennessee guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie talks playing in different systems

Cody Taylor, Rookie WireFri, May 22, 2026 at 12:27 AM UTC

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Tennessee guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie talks playing in different systems

Ja'Kobi Gillespie competed in his first workout ahead of the 2026 NBA draft on Wednesday, and the Tennessee senior is eager to prove himself on the court in front of teams.

Gillespie was an All-SEC first-team selection, averaging 18.4 points, 5.4 assists, 2.8 assists and 2.1 steals while shooting 33.8% from 3-point range in 37 games. He ranked eighth in the country in steals (79) and minutes played (1,286).

The 6-foot guard registered his best collegiate season with the Volunteers to put himself on the radar. He knew after the season that making it to the NBA could become a reality and he is staying busy in the gym to realize that dream.

"I would say after this year, honestly," Gillespie said after working out with the Golden State Warriors. "Toward the end of the year, playing against all of the guys that are projected and matching up against them, I started believing I could play in the NBA."

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Gillespie was also named the SEC Newcomer of the Year after previously playing two years at Belmont and one year at Maryland. He was the 29th Volunteer with multiple 30-point games and the fourth player in conference history with multiple eight-steal outings.

The 22-year-old is considered a possible second-round pick after a dazzling performance at the draft combine last week, in which he averaged 21.5 points and four assists in two scrimmages. He is highly touted because of his scoring, playmaking and ability in the open court.

Gillespie visited the Warriors for his first of at least 11 stops throughout the predraft process. He wants to showcase his motor and defensive ability, and he believes that playing at three programs has prepared him for the next step in his career.

"I played in different offenses each year, and I was able to produce," Gillespie said. "I also played in different defensive systems. It just shows I can learn really fast, and I can adapt to any kind of system quickly."

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Ja'Kobi Gillespie: Tennessee guard talks playing in different systems

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Source: “AOL Sports”