The Greeneville native and former Mr. Basketball in Tennessee announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee for the 2025-26 season via a simple, powerful message on X (formerly Twitter): “I’m Coming Home.”
Gillespie, who starred at Greeneville High School with back-to-back state championships, spent the past season at Maryland, where he quickly established himself as one of the top point guards in the Big Ten. He started all 36 games for the Terrapins, averaging 14.7 points, 4.8 assists, and shooting a blistering 40.7% from beyond the arc — knocking down 87 three-pointers.
His impact helped lead Maryland to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament, drawing national attention and making him one of the most coveted names in the transfer portal. Programs like North Carolina, Villanova, and others expressed strong interest, but the pull of home — and a strong late push by the Volunteers — sealed the deal.
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes and his staff made an in-person visit to Gillespie on Wednesday, just ahead of the NCAA recruiting dead period that began Thursday. That visit reportedly solidified Gillespie’s decision, bringing the former local star back to East Tennessee, where his legend began.
For Tennessee, the addition is huge. Gillespie brings immediate experience, high-level scoring ability, and leadership to a Volunteers team looking to reload after a deep tournament run. For Gillespie, the decision is deeply personal — a chance to wear the orange and white in front of the community that raised him.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing in Thompson-Boling Arena as a Vol,” Gillespie shared privately with friends, according to reports. “Now it’s real.”
Tennessee fans are already buzzing, and expectations will be high — but for a player who has thrived under pressure and delivered at every level, the homecoming sets the stage for a special chapter.
Greeneville’s prodigal son is back — and ready to write the next page of his story in Rocky Top.
