This week, Sarah Detwiler sits down with Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee men’s basketball senior and Greenville, Tennessee native. Ja’Kobi reflects on growing up just down the road from Knoxville, the family foundation that shaped him, and how competing with his siblings helped fuel his love for the game.

He opens up about his journey as a multi-sport athlete, winning back-to-back state championships, and the lessons he gained at both Belmont and Maryland that prepared him for the next level. Ja’Kobi shares how those experiences helped mold him into the player and leader he is today.

Now wearing the Power T, Ja’Kobi discusses what it means to play for the home team, his relationship with Coach Rick Barnes, and embracing the responsibility of leading Tennessee through the grind of SEC play.