Ja'Kobi Gillespie stepped onto the NBA Summer League court for the first time on Friday, suiting up for the San Antonio Spurs in a tightly contested game against the Miami Heat. The former Tennessee point guard logged 10 points, eight assists, four rebounds and three steals, but the Spurs fell 88-87 in a game that swung back and forth until the final buzzer.
Gillespie’s shooting night was far from ideal; he converted only three of seventeen field‑goal attempts and went 2‑for‑8 from beyond the arc, yet he managed the game with just a single turnover in 29 minutes of action. His efficiency will be a point of focus as the coaching staff evaluates his readiness for higher‑stakes minutes.
The Spurs are slated to continue their California swing, facing the Golden State Warriors on Sunday before traveling to take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. Both matchups present opportunities for the young roster to gel and for Gillespie to build on the flashes of playmaking that earned him a spot on the summer league roster.
A Promising Debut Amidst Challenges
Joining Gillespie on the Spurs’ summer league squad are fellow Tennessee alumni Zakai Zeigler and Igor Milicic Jr., who did not see action in the opening game. Zeigler, who recently completed a professional stint with Nanterre 92 in France, previously earned notice during a Philadelphia 76ers Summer League appearance, while Milicic Jr. adds front‑court depth after a collegiate career that included stints at Tennessee and other programs.
The draft buzz surrounding Tennessee’s program didn’t stop with Gillespie. Nate Ament, the Vols’ standout forward, was selected 13th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks, marking the highest draft pick for the university since 2002 and the top selection of the Rick Barnes era. Ament’s collegiate numbers — 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game — have already sparked optimism in Milwaukee’s front office.
Also drafted from Tennessee were Felix Okpara, chosen by the Washington Wizards in the second round, and the Spurs themselves secured Gillespie in the second round after a strong college career that saw him start at Belmont, transfer to Maryland and finish at Tennessee, where he posted averages of 18.4 points, 5.4 assists and 2.8 rebounds. The flurry of selections underscores the Vols’ recent pipeline to the NBA.
Beyond the Spurs, the Milwaukee Bucks are also participants in the California Classic, a summer league tournament that brings together several teams in a compact schedule. Their presence adds another layer of competition for prospects like Ament, who will now face the Spurs’ roster in a potential early‑season preview.