KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WCYB) — Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s journey from Greeneville to the NBA became official Wednesday night when the former Tennessee guard was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft.
One day later, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes reflected on the moment with pride, saying Gillespie’s accomplishment reaches far beyond Knoxville.
“He’s certainly the pride of Greeneville, and he’s opened the door for other kids there to dream about reaching the NBA,” Barnes said.
Barnes was with Gillespie as he waited for the phone call that changed his life, making the draft-night experience especially meaningful for the veteran coach.
Although Gillespie spent just one season with the Volunteers, Barnes said the East Tennessee native made a lasting impact on the program and represented his hometown with pride.
“Not only is Greeneville proud of him, we’re all proud of him,” Barnes said. “I wish we could have had him longer, but he’s with a great organization — one of the great organizations — with people that loved him and wanted him. And I think if you asked him where he wanted to go, he would have told you he wanted to be a Spur.”
Barnes also celebrated the success of Tennessee’s three NBA draft picks this year, but said Gillespie’s selection carried special significance because of his East Tennessee roots.
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Now, Gillespie heads to one of the NBA’s most respected franchises, bringing an inspiring story back to Greeneville and giving young athletes in the region another example that reaching the league is possible.