Penny Hardaway and his staff are hard at work in the transfer portal, as Memphis has been in contact with multiple players since the portal opened on Monday. One of those is confirmed to be Belmont guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie, sources tell Hitmen Hoops.
The Tigers decided to decline an invite to the NIT after their season ended in the AAC Tournament against Wichita State. This decision offered the staff an opportunity to get a jump start on reconstructing the roster and analyzing the options before them.
The type of players Memphis is reaching out to in the early stages of the portal window provides a glimpse into Penny Hardway’s strategy for reconstructing the roster this summer. Along with Gillespie, Memphis has had a heavy interest in Michigan transfer guard Dug McDaniel. The Tigers are prioritizing the point guard position with the departure of Jahvon Quinerly (he is out of eligibility). If Memphis were to also lose David Jones to other opportunities this 0ff-season, it would require the coaching staff to hit the portal hard to reconstruct their backcourt.
Memphis’ lone commitment in the 2024 high school recruiting class is four-star guard Jared Harris. The Tigers have not prioritized recruiting from the high school ranks. This means that the transfer portal is where the staff will do much of their work when reconstructing the roster.
So, who would Memphis be getting if they were to land Gillespie?
Who is Ja’Kobi Gillespie?
Simply put, Gillespie is a very good player. He likely fits what Memphis is looking for at the point guard position. The 6’1 sophomore hails from Greeneville, Tennessee, meaning he would stay in his home state if he were to commit to the Tigers.
Belmont’s leading scorer at 17.2 points per game, Gillespie is one of the most talented players in the transfer portal so far. He took a significant jump in his sophomore season, increasing his scoring production by nearly eight points per game. He also improved his efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc. This season, Gillespie shot 56.1% from the field, 38.7% from three, and 83.1% from the charity stripe. On 1.8 more attempts from the perimeter, the talented guard made a near 10% jump in his three-point accuracy.
Gillespie’s Game
Gillespie offers just about everything you want in a pick and roll, playmaking guard. He scores 1.11 points per possession as a ball screen handler, a number that is in the nation’s 92nd percentile. Gillespie is crafty around the rim and can finish with either hand with soft touch. On the season, he shot 71% at the rim, an outstanding number for a small guard. He’s a strong passer too, possessing a 26% assist rate and a 4.2 assist per game average.
Despite his 6’1, 180 pound stature, Gillespie knows how to use his body well when getting down hill. He consistently displayed the ability to snake ball screens and use his off arm to create space as he gets to the rim. Gillespie is a smart player who knows how to create angles for himself to score or to find openings for his teammates. He had great chemistry with sophomore big Malik Dia. He also entered the transfer portal this week and is a talented player seeking Power 5 opportunities.
Shotmaking Talent
Gillespie, a combo guard, is effective at creating off the dribble, shooting a 57 eFG% in those situations. He showcased his deep range and quick release, along with his crafty handle. The former Bruin, however, is just as effective as an offensive weapon off the ball, an area in which the Belmont offense used him effectively. He is a stout spot up shooter, scoring 1.0 points per possession on those types of shots, and a smart player to boot, moving off the ball effectively to find openings for himself on the perimeter.
Defense
Gillespie was named to the MVC All-Defense team this season. The 6’1 guard showcased how he was able to mitigate his size with defensive effort and intelligence. He racked up an impressive 2.2 steals per game on the year. Gillespie also had some impressive reps as an on-ball defender throughout the season.
Other Suitors
Ja’Kobi Gillespie is the complete package in a combo guard. He would be a dream get to replace Jahvon Quinerly at the point guard position for Memphis. The Tigers will have to beat out a wide range of high-major suitors for his services, however. This list includes programs like Kansas, Indiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Maryland, and much more.
