Last week, the Kentucky Wildcats missed out on point guard Donovan Dent in the transfer portal when he chose to head to UCLA instead. Since then, they’ve shifted focus to some other targets, including Ja’Kobi Gillespie who entered the portal on Monday.
Gillespie began his college career at Belmont, then transferred to Maryland after a breakout season as a Sophomore. Last year, he helped lead the Terrapins to the Sweet 16 in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, averaging 14.7 points and 4.8 assists per game. He also averaged 1.9 steals per game, and made over 40% of his three-point attempts.
Per Kentucky Sports Radio, Wildcats coach Mark Pope reached out to Gillespie by speaking to his father after he entered the portal. Getting him to Lexington would be a big win.
There are certain to be a number of suitors for Gillespie’s services besides Kentucky. His talents fit any system, but his leadership would be welcomed in Big Blue Nation.
