Ja’Kobi Gillespie Family: Girlfriend, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Candida Lucia

Ja’Kobi Gillespie is an American professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. Born on March 10, 2004, in Greeneville, Tennessee, Gillespie established himself as a talented point guard during his college basketball career at Belmont University, the University of Maryland and the University of Tennessee. After an impressive senior season with the Tennessee Volunteers, he was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 42nd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s family includes his father, Byron Gillespie, his mother, Heather Johnson, and five siblings: Jaevon, Jordon, Terry Grove, Jocelyn and Jayla. His father is a former college football player who became a personal trainer, while his mother has consistently supported his basketball career. Growing up in a large family in East Tennessee helped Gillespie develop his competitive personality and appreciation for family relationships.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?

Ja’Kobi Gillespie has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend or being involved in a romantic relationship. As of now, there is no reliable public information identifying a current girlfriend, wife or romantic partner.

Although Gillespie has gained considerable attention following his successful college career and selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, he has generally maintained privacy regarding his dating life.

His interviews and public appearances have focused primarily on basketball, his childhood in Greeneville, his relationships with family members and his professional ambitions.

During his time at Belmont, Maryland and Tennessee, Gillespie became known for his scoring ability, defensive intensity and leadership rather than his relationships outside basketball.

He is active on social media, including Instagram, where he uses the username @k0b1g. However, his publicly documented activities do not establish that he is currently dating anyone.

While Gillespie may have a private romantic relationship, no verified public announcement identifies a girlfriend.

Therefore, his relationship status remains publicly unconfirmed.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?

There is no publicly verified information indicating that Ja’Kobi Gillespie has children. The San Antonio Spurs guard has not announced the birth of a son or daughter, and established biographical sources do not identify him as a father.

Born in March 2004, Gillespie entered the NBA at 22 years old after completing four seasons of college basketball.

Most publicly available information about his personal life concerns his parents, siblings and the support they provided throughout his athletic development.

His transition to professional basketball followed an impressive senior season at Tennessee, where he developed into one of the Southeastern Conference’s leading guards.

As of now, Ja’Kobi Gillespie has no publicly confirmed children.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s Parents: Who Are His Mother and Father?

Ja’Kobi Gillespie was born to Byron Gillespie and Heather Johnson in Greeneville, Tennessee. His parents played important roles in his upbringing, encouraging him to develop his athletic abilities while maintaining strong connections to his hometown.

His father has a background in college football and physical training, while his mother has been one of his most consistent supporters throughout his basketball career.

Both parents encouraged him as he pursued opportunities in multiple sports before eventually concentrating on basketball.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s Father: Byron Gillespie

Byron Gillespie is Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s father, a former college football player and personal trainer.

According to the University of Tennessee’s official basketball biography, Byron played defensive line at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga during his college years.

His background in competitive athletics gave him firsthand experience with the discipline, physical preparation and determination required to succeed in sports.

After his playing career, Byron became involved in personal training, helping others improve their physical fitness and athletic performance.

He also supported his son’s development in basketball and American football.

During high school, Ja’Kobi demonstrated exceptional ability as both a basketball player and football athlete. He competed as a wide receiver, cornerback and return specialist for Greeneville High School.

In December 2025, Byron discussed his son’s football career in an interview with Rocky Top Insider.

He recalled a memorable performance against Elizabethton in September 2021, when Ja’Kobi caught a short pass and turned it into an 82-yard touchdown.

Byron explained that the performance helped him recognize how talented his son had become in football.

Ja’Kobi subsequently attracted football scholarship offers from major college programs, including Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech.

Although Byron recognized his son’s potential in football, he ultimately supported Ja’Kobi’s decision to concentrate on basketball.

During their conversations about his future, Ja’Kobi made it clear that he believed he could become a professional basketball player.

Byron respected that decision and continued supporting his son’s athletic ambitions.

His involvement became particularly evident during Ja’Kobi’s college career.

In February 2025, following Maryland’s narrow loss to Michigan State, Byron publicly defended his son after fans criticized Ja’Kobi’s late-game shot selection.

He acknowledged that his son would learn from the experience and encouraged him to continue improving.

The response highlighted Byron’s willingness to support Ja’Kobi through both victories and difficult moments.

As Gillespie progressed toward the NBA, his father’s athletic background and encouragement remained important parts of his personal story.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s Mother: Heather Johnson

Heather Johnson is Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s mother and one of the most influential people in his life.

According to the University of Tennessee’s official basketball biography, Heather works for an oil company.

Although she maintains a relatively private professional life, her dedication to supporting her son’s basketball career has been widely recognized.

In October 2025, Tennessee Athletics published a feature describing Heather as Gillespie’s biggest supporter throughout his basketball journey.

According to the university, she attended nearly every game she could, regardless of the distance or location.

Her commitment continued when Ja’Kobi left Tennessee to play college basketball at Belmont University and later the University of Maryland.

During his season at Maryland, Heather regularly traveled to watch him compete.

Family members often gathered together in the stands at the Xfinity Center, sometimes occupying an entire row.

These supporters included siblings, cousins, grandparents and other relatives who traveled to encourage Ja’Kobi.

Even when Gillespie was playing hundreds of miles from Greeneville, he frequently had familiar faces cheering him on from the crowd.

Heather’s consistent presence demonstrated the importance of family support throughout his development as an athlete.

When Ja’Kobi decided to transfer to the University of Tennessee for the 2025-26 season, his family welcomed the opportunity.

The move brought him closer to Greeneville and made it easier for his parents and siblings to attend games.

Gillespie publicly expressed happiness about being able to see his mother, father, brothers, sisters and childhood friends more frequently.

For Heather, the transfer represented an opportunity to support her son while remaining closer to home.

Her encouragement has continued as Gillespie made the transition from college basketball to the NBA.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?

Ja’Kobi Gillespie has five siblings: three older brothers and two sisters.

According to his official University of Tennessee player biography, his siblings are Jaevon, Jordon, his adopted older brother Terry Grove, his older sister Jocelyn and his younger sister Jayla.

Growing up in a large family exposed Gillespie to competition, teamwork and the importance of maintaining close personal relationships.

In a January 2026 interview on Tennessee Athletics’ Everything Orange podcast, Gillespie discussed how competing with his siblings helped develop his love for sports.

Jaevon Gillespie – Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s Older Brother

Jaevon Gillespie is one of Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s older brothers.

His name is confirmed in Tennessee’s official basketball biography, which identifies him as part of Ja’Kobi’s immediate family.

Jaevon grew up in the same extended family environment that helped shape Ja’Kobi’s childhood in Greeneville, Tennessee.

Having older siblings gave Ja’Kobi opportunities to experience competition and develop his athletic abilities from an early age.

Although Jaevon is publicly identified as his brother, there is limited reliable information about his current profession, education or personal relationships.

Unlike Ja’Kobi, he has maintained a relatively private life.

Jordon Gillespie – Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s Older Brother

Jordon Gillespie is another of Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s older brothers.

He is listed in the University of Tennessee’s official basketball biography as one of the player’s five siblings.

Some university media materials have used the spelling Jordan, although Tennessee’s main online biography identifies him as Jordon.

Jordon grew up in a family with strong connections to athletics, particularly through his father Byron’s college football background.

Ja’Kobi has spoken generally about how the competitive environment created by growing up with several siblings contributed to his development as an athlete.

However, Jordon’s individual athletic history and professional career have not been extensively documented in reliable public sources.

He remains one of the family members associated with Ja’Kobi’s upbringing in East Tennessee.

Terry Grove – Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s Adopted Older Brother

Terry Grove is Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s adopted older brother.

His relationship with Ja’Kobi is explicitly confirmed by the University of Tennessee’s official basketball biography.

Terry is included among the three older brothers identified in Gillespie’s family background.

Although university sources establish his place in the family, they do not provide extensive information about his childhood, educational background or current profession.

Details about his adoption have also not been publicly documented in the available university biographies.

For that reason, his private family history should not be subject to speculation.

Nevertheless, Terry’s inclusion in Ja’Kobi’s official biography reflects his recognized place within the Gillespie family.

Jocelyn Gillespie – Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s Older Sister

Jocelyn Gillespie is Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s older sister.

Her identity is confirmed in the Tennessee Volunteers’ official basketball biography, which identifies her as one of his two sisters.

Jocelyn grew up in the same family environment as Ja’Kobi and his brothers in East Tennessee.

Like the other family members, she has been part of the wider support system surrounding his basketball journey.

When Gillespie returned to Tennessee for his final college season, he expressed excitement about being closer to his brothers and sisters.

Although his university interviews highlight the importance of his siblings collectively, there is limited publicly available information about Jocelyn’s individual educational or professional activities.

She maintains a considerably lower public profile than her NBA-playing brother.

Jayla Gillespie – Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s Younger Sister

Jayla Gillespie is Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s younger sister and the youngest sibling identified in his official University of Tennessee biography.

She grew up in Greeneville, Tennessee, in a family where athletics and supporting one another were important parts of everyday life.

As Ja’Kobi progressed through high school and college basketball, family members regularly attended games and celebrated his achievements.

Jayla is among the siblings included in the family background that Gillespie has publicly discussed.

However, her personal life, educational activities and sporting interests have not been extensively documented by established media outlets.

Because she maintains a private life, reliable information about her individual activities remains limited.

How Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career

Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s basketball journey was shaped by his family’s support and the competitive environment in which he grew up.

Born and raised in Greeneville, Tennessee, he participated in different sports during childhood, eventually excelling in basketball and football.

His father had experience as a college football player, while his siblings provided opportunities for competition and athletic development.

Gillespie attended Greeneville High School, where he established himself as one of Tennessee’s most talented young athletes.

During his junior basketball season, he helped Greeneville win the school’s first state basketball championship.

The team repeated the achievement during his senior season, giving the program consecutive state titles.

Gillespie averaged 27.3 points per game during his senior season and received the Tennessee Class 3A Mr. Basketball award.

He also became an outstanding football player, attracting interest from major college programs.

Despite those opportunities, Gillespie decided to pursue basketball because it had always been his preferred sport.

He began his college career at Belmont University in 2022.

During his freshman season, he averaged 9.6 points and 3.3 assists per game, earning Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshman Team recognition.

His performances improved significantly during his sophomore year, when he averaged 17.2 points, 4.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game.

After two seasons at Belmont, Gillespie transferred to the University of Maryland for the 2024-25 season.

At Maryland, he started all 36 games and averaged 14.7 points and 4.8 assists per game.

His contributions helped the Terrapins reach the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

Following that season, Gillespie transferred to the University of Tennessee, fulfilling a childhood ambition to represent the Volunteers.

The move was particularly meaningful because Tennessee’s campus in Knoxville is approximately 75 miles from his hometown of Greeneville.

His parents and siblings welcomed the decision, which allowed him to spend more time with relatives and childhood friends.

During the 2025-26 season, Gillespie emerged as one of Tennessee’s leading players, earning First Team All-SEC honors and helping the Volunteers reach the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight.

His impressive performances attracted attention from NBA scouts, and he entered the 2026 NBA Draft.

On June 24, 2026, the San Antonio Spurs selected him with the 42nd overall pick in the second round.

He officially signed a two-way contract with San Antonio on July 3, 2026, allowing him to develop within the Spurs organization and its NBA G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs.

Throughout his journey, the encouragement of Byron, Heather and his siblings has remained an important part of his success.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s Family

Who is Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s girlfriend?

Ja’Kobi Gillespie has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. There is currently no reliable information identifying a romantic partner.

Is Ja’Kobi Gillespie married?

There are no verified public reports indicating that Ja’Kobi Gillespie is married or has a wife.

Does Ja’Kobi Gillespie have children?

There is no publicly confirmed information indicating that Ja’Kobi Gillespie has any children.

Who is Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s father?

His father is Byron Gillespie, a personal trainer and former college football player who represented the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as a defensive lineman.

Who is Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s mother?

His mother is Heather Johnson, who works in the oil industry and has been one of his strongest supporters throughout his basketball career.

How many siblings does Ja’Kobi Gillespie have?

Ja’Kobi Gillespie has five siblings: three older brothers, Jaevon, Jordon and Terry Grove, and two sisters, Jocelyn and Jayla.

Who are Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s brothers?

His brothers are Jaevon Gillespie, Jordon Gillespie and Terry Grove. Terry is identified in his official Tennessee basketball biography as his adopted older brother.

Who are Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s sisters?

His sisters are Jocelyn Gillespie, his older sister, and Jayla Gillespie, his younger sister.

Where is Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s family from?

Ja’Kobi Gillespie and his family are from Greeneville, Tennessee, United States, where he spent his childhood and attended Greeneville High School.

Did Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s father play college sports?

Yes. His father, Byron Gillespie, played college football as a defensive lineman at Chattanooga before pursuing a career in personal training.

What is Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s full name?

His full name is Ja’Kobi Broderick Gillespie. He is also known by the nickname Kobi.

What NBA team does Ja’Kobi Gillespie play for?

Ja’Kobi Gillespie is under a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs, who selected him with the 42nd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.