The NBA Draft buzz has centered on Tennessee Volunteers guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie, who analysts now expect to hear his name called in the second round.
During his college tenure he posted averages of 18.4 points, 5.4 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game, numbers that have drawn attention from scouts.
Gillespie’s path to the Volunteers was anything but linear; after two seasons at Belmont, a year at Maryland and a senior year in Knoxville, he helped the team reach the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Yahoo Sports has labeled him a spark plug — a player who can ignite an offense with his shooting and ability to run the ball, making him an attractive piece for any team looking for a spark.
A Perfect Fit
The Phoenix Suns have been highlighted as a natural landing spot, not only because they are projected to pick in the second round but also because their backcourt already features Devin Booker, a polished scorer who could benefit from Gillespie’s energy.
Together, the two guards could form a dynamic duo, with Gillespie’s off‑ball versatility complementing Booker’s on‑ball dominance, potentially giving the Suns a fresh look for the upcoming season.
If the Suns decide to draft him, Gillespie would be stepping up to a higher level of competition, a move that could test his readiness but also showcase his ability to contribute immediately.