Former Mr. Basketball and Greeneville standout Ja'Kobi Gillespie commits to Maryland

Former Greeneville standout and Mr. Basketball winner, Ja'Kobi Gillespie is on the move within the transfer portal ahead of next basketball season.

Following two seasons at Belmont, the local star will be headed to Maryland - taking the Terps over Oklahoma, Florida, and Virginia, he told On3.

Gillespie took a huge leap from year one to year two - averaging 17.2 points per game for the Bruins. Gillespie improved in nearly every statistical category, including increasing his minutes on the floor by nine minutes per game and getting 16 more starts.

Gillespie becomes the second transfer guard to commit to the ‘Terps this offseason, joining Rodney Rice from Virginia Tech.

In his time at Greeneville, Gillespie led the Greene Devils to the Tennessee 2A state championship as sophomore and to an 88-18 record over sophomore, junior and senior seasons. His 3A Mr. Basketball honor in 2022 was the first player from northeast Tennessee named Tennessee Mr. Basketball in 37-year history of award.

He was also named a News 5 Player of the Week in that same season.