G Ja'Kobi Gillespie - Belmont
2023-24 Statistics: 25 G, 17.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.2 APG, 2.2 SPG, 56.1% FG, 1.6 3PM, 38.7% 3PT
Gillespie is a unique talent as a 6-foot point guard. The incoming junior from Belmont recently entered the transfer portal and could serve as a backup guard behind Dajuan Harris, especially if Elmarko Jackson goes portaling.
In addition to making the All-MVC Defensive First Team, Gillespie is wildly efficient for his size. It is not often that you find a small guard shooting 66.0% on 2-point shots, let alone on 7.5 attempts per game. While those numbers are likely not sustainable, they show the top-notch shot selection and basketball IQ he has.
Of all the mid-major combo guards Kansas is looking at, Gillespie is likely the most qualified and offers the most diverse skill set. The extent to which the coaching staff is in contact with him remains to be seen, but fans would welcome him to Lawrence with open arms next year.