Ja’Kobi Gillespie Achieves Tennessee Basketball Milestone in Win Over Michigan
In Chicago, Tennessee point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie hit a season milestone during the Vols’ Elite Eight game. He needed one three-pointer to reach 100 for the season. After missing his first three attempts, he buried his fourth to give Tennessee a 14-12 lead.
Milestone and context
The Greeneville, Tennessee native became the fourth player in program history to hit 100 triples. That achievement moved him past Allan Houston into sixth place on Tennessee’s single-season list.
Gillespie entered the Elite Eight shooting 33.9 percent from deep this season. He was a Second Team All-SEC selection.
Program leaders and records
Gillespie joined an exclusive group of long-range scorers in Tennessee history. The group includes Chris Lofton, Chaz Lanier and Santiago Vescovi.
- Chaz Lanier set the single-season mark last year with 123 made threes.
- Chris Lofton recorded three 100-plus seasons, with totals of 118, 114 and 106.
- Santiago Vescovi reached 102 triples in 2021-22, alongside teammates Kennedy Chandler and Zakai Zeigler.
Season impact and role
Before the Michigan game, Gillespie averaged 18.3 points and 5.5 assists per game. He also averaged 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 steals.
Tennessee often relies on his playmaking and perimeter scoring. The Vols perform markedly better with him on the floor than when he sits.
March performances
Gillespie was outstanding in Philadelphia during the earlier rounds. In two games, he totaled 50 points, 15 assists, nine rebounds and four steals.
He became the third modern-era player in the NCAA Tournament to post 50 points and 15 assists in his first two games. He joined UConn’s Kemba Walker and Providence’s Billy Donovan.
Why it matters
Ja’Kobi Gillespie reached a Tennessee basketball milestone in the Vols’ win over Michigan. His scoring and ball handling remain central to Tennessee’s tournament hopes.
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