Spurs Select Tennessee Guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie At 42
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San Antonio — The San Antonio Spurs selected Tennessee guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie with the No. 42 overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, adding a 6-foot-1 perimeter shooter and playmaker who averaged 18.4 points and 5.4 assists while starting all 37 games for Tennessee last season. The pick follows San Antonio’s earlier first-round additions of Jayden Quaintance and Tarris Reed Jr. this week and aims to bolster backcourt depth around Victor Wembanyama; Gillespie measured about 5‑11.75 at the NBA Combine and recorded a 6-4 wingspan. Local outlets in Knoxville and Greeneville highlighted his college totals, and he will enter the Spurs’ summer-development program next month.
Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- 2023-24: Breakout sophomore season at Belmont leads to increased national attention.
- 2024-25: Transfers to Maryland and helps Terps reach the Sweet 16 in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
- 2025-26: Returns to Tennessee as a senior, starts 37 games and averages 18.4 points.
- June 2026: Gillespie measures at the NBA Combine and declares for the NBA Draft.
- June 2026: Selected No. 42 overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round.
News Intelligence
- If you're a Spurs fan, Gillespie's addition could mean a stronger backcourt and more exciting games ahead. His impressive college stats suggest he's a player to watch. Check out his performance in the Spurs' summer-development program next month.
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The San Antonio Spurs gained a young perimeter playmaker and defensive-minded guard to add depth around Victor Wembanyama, while Tennessee and Greeneville communities see recognition of a local player advancing to the NBA.
Other NBA teams seeking backcourt depth missed the opportunity to select Gillespie at No. 42, while Tennessee loses a senior leader and statistical team leader to the professional ranks.
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