The team announced Monday morning that the forward is out for the year
Knoxville, Tenn. – A promising start to the 2024-25 season has been halted by injury for Tennessee basketball’s JP Estrella.
The Vols’ head men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes announced Monday morning that Estrella is out for the rest of the 2024-25 season.
The sophomore forward is set to undergo surgery on a left foot injury.
“We feel badly for J.P. that he won’t be able to compete alongside his teammates this season,” Barnes said.
The sophomore took to X/Twitter to announce the decision to undergo surgery to resolve a “lingering” issue with his foot.
“While I’m sadden that I won’t be able to compete the remainder of the season, I remain so excited to be a part of this program and will do everything I can to support my brothers are we continue to work towards our goals. I’m grateful for the support of my coaches, training staff, teammates and family,” said Estrella.
“In addition to being a talented player, he is such a positive and energetic person. It is for that reason we know he will still make an impact, even if it’s not on the court. We’ll do all we can to aid J.P. throughout his rehabilitation and we are excited for what his future holds here at Tennessee,” said Barnes.
A 6-foot-11 forward is in his second season with the Volunteers. He shot 15-of-21 (71.4 percent) from the field across 25 appearances as a freshman in 2023-24.
Estrella played in the first three games this year, averaging 4.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 10.0 minutes per contest, while shooting 6-of-9 (66.7 percent) from the floor. Estrella scored a career-high eight points, going 3-of-3 on field goals and 2-of-2 on free throws, against Montana on Nov. 13 in his final action of the year.
With that, Tennessee will submit a medical redshirt request for Estrella.