Tennessee freshman power forward JP Estrella is out for the Vols’ Wednesday night matchup at Arkansas, a Tennessee spokesperson confirmed to RTI.
The freshman big man has been a reserve post player for Tennessee this season and is averaging 1.9 points and 0.9 rebounds in 4.8 minutes per game this season.
Tennessee didn’t officially rule Estrella out before Saturday’s loss at Texas A&M but Estrella was a partial participant in the Vols’ practice the Friday before and didn’t play against the Aggies. The 6-foot-11 freshman had played in Tennessee’s previous six SEC games before the Texas A&M game.
Estrella is day-to-day moving forward.
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The Scarborough, Maine native is Tennessee’s third big man on the roster behind both Jonas Aidoo and Tobe Awaka. Estrella has been playing a few minutes in the first half of a number of games for Tennessee this season but with the Vols’ playing mostly small-ball lineups this season they haven’t leaned on the freshman for major minutes.
With Estrella sidelined, Tennessee could lean heavier on Aidoo and Awaka, give a few first half minutes to fellow freshman big man Cade Phillips or play a five-guard lineup with Jahmai Mashack at the four and Josiah-Jordan James at the five as they have in limited spurts this season.
Tennessee is looking to bounce back from its disappointing loss at Texas A&M on Saturday against Arkansas. The Razorbacks have disappointed this season, entering the matchup 12-11 (3-7 SEC). The Vols need the road win to remain alive in the SEC Championship race.
Rick Barnes’ ninth Tennessee team is currently 8.5-point favorites against Arkansas according to Draft Kings. The Vols are looking to end a seven-game losing streak at Bud Walton Arena.
Tipoff is at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday night. Brian Custer and Jimmy Dykes are on the call for ESPN2.
