JP Estrella Set Up For Big Freshman Role

Harvard transfer Chris Ledlum initially committed to the Tennessee Volunteers out of the portal but re-entered his name this week, setting up JP Estrella for a role this year.

A big announcement hit the Tennessee basketball program on Thursday. Harvard transfer Chris Ledlum announced that he would once again enter the portal to explore other options for next season.  The 6-foot-6-inch forward announced that he was coming to Tennessee back on April 19 following a great season in the Ivy League, where he averaged almost 19 points and nine rebounds per game. 

Unfortunately, we will not be able to see a transfer prospect with so much potential on the floor in Knoxville. However, this opens up opportunities for other players to perform. In particular, it opens up options in the Tennessee front court, which includes freshman JP Estrella. Estrella is a top 100 prospect in the class of 2023 and a top ten center nationally. At 6-11, he has a similar build to the Volunteers current center Jonas Aidoo. Estrella has a developing and sneaky good game in the low post on both the offensive and defensive sides of the floor. He can shoot, defend, and score from within 8 feet or so from the basket. 

Tennessee F JP Estrella

He is one of the intriguing freshmen in the Vols' incoming recruiting class for the 2023-24 season. Now that one of the many transfers that announced their commitment to Rocky Top is leaving, it may be his time to shine with some minutes off the bench or even starting at times behind and alongside players like Aidoo and sophomore center Tobe Awaka. Yes, the transfer announcement from Thursday is a hit to the Tennessee front court. But, it may create a new exciting look for basketball in Knoxville. Estrella certainly can become one of the premier centers in Vols hoops, and it is all because of Ludlum's decision to pursue his dreams of playing college hoops for another school.

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