Amidst Dalton Knecht’s late first half flurry against Florida, freshman big man J.P. Estrella set up a Knecht transition bucket by blocking a shot at the basket.
It was one of a number of impressive plays Estrella made on a night when super senior Knecht and junior Jonas Aidoo stole the show. However, Estrella’s play was one of the most encouraging performances on the night for Tennessee.
“I thought today his confidence, I thought he looked good,” Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes said postgame. “I thought he looked like he truly belonged out there, but I will go back. It was his preparation, getting ready for the game.”
Estrella’s nine minutes of action against Florida was the first SEC action of his career after not playing in the Vols’ matchups against Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Georgia. The power forward looking like he belonged was a strong step in the right direction as Tennessee attempts to develop post depth.
“It was honestly kind of a surreal moment,” Estrella said postgame. “First SEC game. I was out there I was like man, this is super sick. It felt the same except physicality-wise, it definitely felt way more physical. A lot bigger and stronger dudes in the SEC. It was super fun tonight to match up with those guys.”
Florida’s physicality did give Estrella some issues. The Gators are the best offensive rebounding team in the SEC and before Estrella blocked the shot that led to Knecht’s transition bucket, he gave up a rebound. The 6-foot-11 freshman grabbed just one rebound in nine minutes of action.
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But he’s a capable and was in the right place on both ends of the court. Estrella particularly shined on offense where he scored seven points on two-of-two shooting from the field. He showed good touch around the rim and fearlessness when he took a Zakai Zeigler bounce pass and tried to dunk on the Gators’ whole front court.
“I feel like this game I really started to connect offensively and defensively,” Estrella said. “I tried to dunk on some guys, made some free throws. Just tried to show a little bit of my offensive package and what I can do. I felt like this was the game I really connected.”
“I’m telling you, the guy can score the basketball and (has) got good hands,” Barnes said.
It’s just one game and consistency is the huge question for any player especially one with as little experience as Estrella. But Tennessee is searching for a third big man that can give them 10 to 15 minutes on any given night.
The Vols won’t need Estrella to give them those minutes every single night. Against most teams, playing four perimeter players the entire game will be Tennessee’s best lineup. But when Jonas Aidoo or Tobe Awaka battle foul trouble, having trust in Estrella to come off the bench is important.
There will also be certain matchups where Tennessee will need another body to battle other team’s physicality and matchups where the Vols play some two-big lineups. That’s why Estrella’s development is important.
“We’ve talked about what we need from him and if he’ll keep building, he can help us every game and he would, he will play every game,” Barnes said. “If he’ll come back, practice well Thursday, Friday, get ready for the game Saturday.”
