Dai Dai Ames joins Tennessee basketball as Gillespie’s replacement
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 9:02 AM
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
Dai Dai Ames has committed to play basketball for Tennessee after a three-school journey through Kansas State, Virginia, and California. The 6-foot-2 guard will step into a starting role, filling the void left by Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who is preparing for the NBA Draft. Ames chose Tennessee for its winning tradition under Coach Rick Barnes and the appeal of playing alongside fellow Chicago natives. He aims to enhance his skills this season, with focus on improving his shooting and playmaking abilities.
- •Ames averaged 16.9 points and earned All-ACC honors at California.
- •He was the No. 1 recruit in Illinois for the class of 2023.
- •Ames joins two other Chicago players on Tennessee's roster.
- •He will be tasked with late-game scoring responsibilities.
- 9:02 AMYahoo Sports — Dai Dai Ames brings Chicago flair as Ja’Kobi Gillespie replacement at Tennessee
"Dai Dai Ames played at Kansas State, Virginia, and California, and now he's at Tennessee basketball.
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