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.
Why This Matters to You
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.
The Bottom Line
Gillespie's journey from Belmont to Maryland, then Tennessee, and now the NBA, shows his resilience and adaptability. His selection at No. 42 overall is a testament to his hard work. Worth forwarding if you know a young athlete needing a dose of inspiration.
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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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