Question: How was the transfer process for you and how has it been so far?
Ja'Kobi Gillespie: It's hard for anybody coming into a new school, but I've been focused on trying to connect with my teammates because I'm a junior. So I know I have to be a leader on this team. For me, that means being myself and working hard. So far, we've had some really good workouts and you can see the chemistry building.
Q: Who has influenced you to stay with the game of basketball?
JG: I would say Kobe Bryant. I grew up watching him and my parents were Lakers fans so I watched him a lot.
Q: Are you not a Lakers fan?
JG: No, I'm a Kobe Bryant fan. I usually follow a player more than a team. Then it was Kobe Bryant and now I like to watch Chris Paul.
Q: How has your experience been with the new team and coaches so far?
JG: It's been good, I feel like we had a great first week. We were getting to know each other and pushing each other hard. I feel like it's been a good start to the summer.
Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
JG: Have to take a shower probably two or three hours before. I have to lock-in before too.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
JG: Hard work beats talent. That was our slogan at Greeneville and it has really stayed with me.
Q: If your sport had a mascot based on you, what would it be?
JG: A bulldog.
Q: If you could dunk on any person who would it be?
JG: Definitely Lebron James.
Q: If you didn't play basketball, what sport would you play?
JG: I played football in high school so probably that.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure food you avoid during season?
JG: Probably chicken wings or fried fish, but I don't avoid it.
Q: Do you have any nicknames?
JG: At Belmont they used to call me Cheat Code.
Q: Living in Tennessee, have you had any BBQ around here that compares to the BBQ down south?
JG: I love barbecue. The closest would probably be Mission BBQ, but other than that not yet.
