By Nate DeVille
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Last November, J.P. Estrella was forced to cut his sophomore season short with a left foot injury accompanied by surgery.
After a successful first year with the Vols in the 2023-24 season, Estrella played in just three games of his second year before being sidelined.
Fast forward almost a full calendar year, the Tennessee big man is back on the court, with a vengeance.
In his first taste of official action this season, the now redshirt sophomore recorded a 12 point, five rebound performance against Mercer, followed by a 17 point, 11 rebound outing against Northern Kentucky.
Estrella continued to impress on Wednesday night in the Volunteers 99-66 victory over North Florida, leading all scorers with a career-high 23 points.
“I don’t think we’re surprised, we told him from the day we recruited him, what we thought he could be,” head coach Rick Barnes said of his sophomore big.
“[After] missing a year, we knew that would take a little bit of time, but he’s gotten so much better with his focus in practice… it’s a game of habit… he’s been able to carry over into games what he’s been able to do in practice the last couple of weeks.”
Adding to his career night, Estrella also recorded his second consecutive double-double, snagging 10 boards (six offensive) against the Ospreys.
“I’d like for him to get [a double-double] every game obviously,” Barnes said of Estrella’s career night.
“He’s done a great job being an offensive rebounder… he’s certainly capable of doing that every night… there’s no doubt.”
Estrella has taken quite the leap in his third season on Rocky Top, boosting his averages in nearly every statistical category, most notably increasing his points per game from 4.7pts through three games last season, to 17.3 pts in three games this fall.
“I’ve really just been super focused in practice,” Estrella said of his recent success on the court.
The Scarborough, Maine native has been described by many as the “vibes guy” of the team in recent seasons, but has proven so far this year that he can bring much more to the table. Even to the surprise of himself at times.
“Some part of me yes… as in, it’s kind of [just] happening,” said Estrella on the sudden surprise of his strong start to the season.
“[But] I expect this out of myself, and just want to continue to grow.”
Estrella will get another opportunity to build on his hot start when the Vols (3-0) host the Rice Owls on Monday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. ET.
Great read- promotes hope in kids future.