Former Tennessee basketball guard Jordan Gainey is set to begin his professional career. After spending time with the Phoenix Suns during the NBA Summer League, he has now signed with an overseas franchise. He will begin his pro career with KK Cedevita Junior in Croatia.
The franchise plays in the HT Premijer liga and is based out of Zagreb, Croatia. It has won five Croatian Championships, seven Croatian Cups, three Croatian Supercups and one ABA League Supercup in its 34-year history. The team will begin its season on Sept. 27, 2025.
Gainey is one of multiple Vols to sign a pro contract after last year. Zakai Zeigler landed in France after playing in the NBA Summer League. Chaz Lanier will start on the Pistons as a draft pick, with Jahmai Mashack beginning in the Grizzlies’ G-League after being picked 59th overall. Igor Milicic Jr. is recovering from injury, but signed an Exhibit-10 deal with the 76ers.
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Gainey spent two seasons with Tennessee, which ended up being possibly the best pair of years in the program’s history. In both of Gainey’s seasons in Knoxville, the team made the Elite Eight. He was also a part of the SEC title team in his first season.
As a senior, Gainey played in 38 games and made one start in the replacement of an injured Zeigler. He averaged 11.6 points per game on 40.5% shooting from the field and 30.4% on 3-pointers. He also took a dramatic step on the defensive end during this final year.
As a junior, Gainey played in 36 games, all off the bench. He averaged 6.8 points per game on 35.9% shooting from the field and 29.1% on 3-pointers. This was his first of two years playing under his dad, Justin Gainey, as well, who is the Vols’ associate head coach.
Before transferring to Tennessee, Jordan Gainey played two seasons at USC Upstate. He was a Second Team All-Big South member and Big South Freshman of the Year in his first season. The year after, he was named a First Team All-Big South selection.
