Breaking News: Tennessee’s Newest Signee Ja’Kobi Gillespie Spotted Working Out with Top Vols Portal Target..

Tennessee basketball continues to generate offseason buzz, and much of the attention now centers on Ja’Kobi Gillespie — the Volunteers’ newest signee — who was recently seen working out with a major transfer portal target. This sighting has sparked speculation among fans and analysts about possible future pairings and the strategic direction of the Vols heading into the upcoming season.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie, a 6-foot-1 point guard from Greeneville, Tennessee, is no stranger to the Volunteer State. After beginning his college career at Belmont and then transferring to Maryland, Gillespie made the decision to return home, committing to Tennessee amidst major changes in the Terrapins’ coaching staff. His return was driven by both emotional ties to the region and an opportunity to step into a leading role on a team with championship aspirations.

At Maryland, Gillespie stood out as a dynamic playmaker. He averaged nearly 15 points per game, along with close to 5 assists and 3 rebounds, while shooting efficiently from both the field and the three-point line. His efforts earned him All-Big Ten honors, further elevating his profile as a floor general with a high basketball IQ and a calm command under pressure.

Now, back in orange and white, Gillespie is wasting no time immersing himself in the culture and rhythm of Tennessee basketball. The most recent example of this came when he was seen working out with Dedan Thomas, a highly sought-after point guard from UNLV who recently entered the transfer portal. Though Thomas has since committed elsewhere, the session sparked intrigue due to the Vols’ pursuit of top-tier talent and Gillespie’s involvement in early team bonding and skill development.

The workout also hinted at the kind of leadership Gillespie may bring to the team. While he’s new to the program, his experience and poise position him as a potential locker room leader. His willingness to connect with other top athletes, even those still weighing their options, shows a commitment to team chemistry and building a winning environment.

This offseason has been an active one for Tennessee. The coaching staff has aggressively pursued high-caliber players in the portal to reinforce a roster that saw significant departures. The program has already landed several marquee transfers who are expected to make an immediate impact.

Among them is Chaz Lanier, a sharp-shooting guard who averaged nearly 20 points per game last season while hitting 44% of his shots from beyond the arc. His addition brings instant offense and spacing to the floor. Another major pickup is Igor Milicic Jr., a versatile forward with a strong perimeter game and the ability to defend multiple positions. He adds depth and tactical flexibility, something Tennessee’s staff has prioritized. Then there’s Felix Okpara, a rim-protecting center whose size and defensive instincts will be key in anchoring the team’s interior.

All these moves point to a calculated effort to build a well-rounded, experienced squad that can compete at the highest level of the SEC and make a deep NCAA Tournament run.

The presence of Gillespie in these offseason activities, especially in collaboration with elite players, highlights the tone Tennessee is trying to set. It’s not just about collecting talent — it’s about cohesion, competitiveness, and creating a culture where players hold each other to high standards both on and off the court.

With the roster beginning to take shape and new faces blending with returning contributors, the anticipation around this upcoming Tennessee basketball season continues to grow. Gillespie, now at the heart of the action, seems poised to play a pivotal role in the team’s identity and success.

As fans count down to tipoff, all eyes will be on how quickly this new-look squad can gel. If the early signs — like Gillespie’s commitment to working and connecting with others — are any indication, Tennessee may be gearing up for something special.