Ja’Kobi Gillespie shares thoughts ahead of Elite Eight matchup: ‘We have a chance to prove ourselves’
By Jacob Moss
Published:
For the fourth time in as many seasons, Rick Barnes and the Tennessee Volunteers have found themselves in the Elite 8 and just 1 win away from their first Final 4 appearance in program history.
The Vols knocked out the No. 2 seed in the Midwest region, Iowa State, on Friday in the Sweet 16, and they will have to find a way through the top-seeded Michigan Wolverines if they want to capture that elusive Final 4.
Senior Tennessee guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie spoke with CBS Sports’ analyst Evan Washburn ahead of the monumental matchup, and he said that it represents an opportunity for the Vols to “prove themselves.”
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“It’s definitely exciting,” Gillespie said. “It’s definitely going to be a great opportunity for us, and we’re looking to make history… We have a chance to prove ourselves and prove that we belong in the Final 4.”
Gillespie has been one of the senior leaders for the Vols this season after transferring in from Maryland, being named a first team All SEC selection after leading the team in points (18.3), assists (5.5), and steals (2.0) a game.
He’s been instrumental in their run through the tournament so far, and Barnes will need him to have another huge game if they want to knock of Michigan and reach their first Final 4 in program history.
