Rick Barnes turned to JP Estrella in the biggest moment of the season for Tennessee basketball.
The freshman forward performed well against Purdue Player of the Year Zach Eady, leaving a lasting impression on Barnes about Estrella's potential in his career.
“I'm sitting here now thinking, because he showed his physicality, maybe we should start him like Zach Eady,” Burns said on March 31. I don't think he ever thought of himself as that kind of player. ”
Estrella was thrust into the spotlight during Tennessee's season-ending loss. Coach Burns has the idea in his head that Estrella can be a dominant post player, which makes him even more into it.
The rising sophomore forward is expected to play a key role for the Vols next season, an even more important role after Jonas Aidoo and Tobe Awaka entered the transfer portal.
What JP Estrella proved in Tennessee basketball vs. Purdue.
Estrella played 12 minutes against Norfolk State on Jan. 2. That was the only time he reached double-digit minutes until playing a season-high 15 minutes against Purdue in the Elite Eight.
With Aidoo ineffective and Ahuaca struggling with foul trouble, Coach Burns brought on Estrella early in the second half. The freshman played nearly nine straight minutes and capped off the game with an alley-oop dunk with less than six minutes left.
When he checked out with 5 minutes and 14 seconds remaining, he headed to the bench with a grim expression on his face.
“I feel like no matter what the coaches want me to do, I can accomplish it and get the job done,” Estrella said in mid-March.
That's what the 6-foot-11 Estrella did against the 7-4 Eady, who averaged 25.2 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-11 Estrella was Tennessee's best bet against Eady. He then said his own goal was to stop Edie in any way he could. He focused on boxing and rebounding as best he could.
He played 12 minutes in the second half, matching his previous season high and giving Tennessee a chance to reach the Final Four for the first time in program history.
How Jonas Aidoo and Tobe Awaka have changed JP Estrella's role in the transfer portal
Estrella was in position to play a big role as a sophomore even before he played against Purdue. He showed potential against Florida in January and in the NCAA tournament opener against St. Peter's.
He called these games “high ceiling” games in which he played well both offensively and defensively.
“Personally, for myself and my confidence,” Estrella said. To be the best basketball player you can be. ”
Estrella's role has become even more important with the transfer decisions of Aidoo and Ahuaca. The two veteran forwards have dominated the forward minutes this season, ahead of Estrella and classmate Cade Phillips. Burns suggested Awaka could still return, but Tennessee may also choose to have a veteran in the post.
As it stands, Estrella is the top returning post player and should be expected to contribute significant playing time.
Estrella signed with UT as a four-star recruit and the nation's No. 61 prospect according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. He brings as much offensive upside as the forwards UT has recruited under Burns. That's part of what makes his future exciting after playing a small role as a freshman. He played in 25 games, averaging 5.0 minutes per game.
To get there, they'll need to build on the confidence they found in two games and showed against Purdue. It is true that there were times during the season when he was stagnant and could not contribute. He learned the lesson that he needed to rely on himself to build his confidence and continue learning.
Tennessee will be counting on that.
“I think going forward he’s definitely going to figure out what it is,” Burns said.
Mike Wilson covers the University of Tennessee athletics department. Email michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow us on Twitter @.Posted by Mike Wilson. If you like Mike's coverage, consider subscribing to him digitally for full access.