Maine’s JP Estrella Shines in March Madness Spotlight

JP Estrella, a 6-foot-11 forward from South Portland, Maine, will play for Tennessee in the NCAA tournament on Friday. The redshirt sophomore helps a Volunteers team that finished the season 22-11.

Return from injury

Estrella missed most of last season after left foot surgery. He recovered while Tennessee made another deep NCAA run.

This year he has appeared in 29 of 33 games and started nine. He is averaging 10.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.

Season highs and lows

He closed the regular season with back-to-back 20-point games against South Carolina and Vanderbilt. He also had a 12-point, six-rebound performance in Tennessee’s 75-68 loss to Vanderbilt in the SEC quarterfinals.

Estrella scored four points in the Volunteers’ SEC tournament opener, showing the season’s inconsistency. He also missed a few games with soreness in the same left foot.

Friday’s matchup in Philadelphia

Tennessee will face Miami of Ohio at 4:25 p.m. Friday at Philadelphia’s XFinity Mobile Arena. The RedHawks stormed into the field after a 31-1 regular season and a MAC tournament loss to UMass.

Miami beat SMU 89-79 in the First Four and improved to 32-1. That game featured 12 offensive rebounds and 17 second-chance points for Miami.

Scouting the RedHawks

Justin Gainey, Tennessee’s associate head coach, warned that Miami controls tempo and crashes the glass. He cited their ability to earn extra possessions and finish putbacks.

Tennessee’s priorities

The Vols must be physical and protect the boards. Estrella and Tennessee’s bigs will need to limit second-chance points.

Estrella says he is focused on preparation, practice, and keeping his body fresh. He stressed doing the little things that matter in win-or-go-home basketball.

Personal stakes and perspective

Last March, Estrella watched the tournament from the bench in a suit. This season he gets a chance to help determine Tennessee’s fate.

Maine’s native JP Estrella shines when the stakes rise. He talked about family bracket traditions with parents Allie and Mark and brother Cameron.

Filmogaz.com will follow the Volunteers as they try to upset Miami of Ohio in the opening round. Estrella hopes to turn his March Madness moment into a lasting run.