Tennessee basketball forward J.P. Estrella is trending towards playing in the Vols‘ next game.
The redshirt sophomore was upgraded to questionable on the availability report with left foot soreness. Estrella was ruled out of the Tennessee’s win over Oklahoma on Feb. 18 after originally being listed as doubtful. Depending on how Estrella feels, he could be available for the Vols (19-7, 9-4 SEC) in their next game against No. 18 Vanderbilt (21-5, 8-5) at Memorial Gymnasium on Feb. 21 (2 p.m. ET, ESPN).
Tennessee guard Clarence Massamba has been ruled out with a right hip injury.
Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes wasn’t sure where Estrella stood before the Vols’ practice.
“I hadn’t heard yet,” Barnes said on Feb. 20. “They were doing some stuff with him yesterday on the treadmill. I believe it will be a day-to-day thing from here on out, I would just guess.”
Estrella’s inclusion into the Vols’ starting lineup has helped solidify the team’s rotation. Tennessee is 6-1 with him as a starter and has fully leaned into an identity of offensive rebounding and second-chance points. Jaylen Carey started in Estrella’s place against Oklahoma, but DeWayne Brown II produced 13 points, three rebounds and two assists off the bench.
Wynton Jackson covers high school sports for Knox News. Email: [email protected]
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