Maine Native J.P. Estrella Helps Tennessee Reach Elite Eight

Estrella, a redshirt sophomore from Scarborough/South Portland, has been a key contributor for the Volunteers during their tournament run.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:58pm

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J.P. Estrella, a native of Maine, has helped lead the Tennessee Volunteers to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Estrella, a 6'11" forward, has been a standout performer for the Vols, averaging 10.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. In Tennessee's 76-62 win over Iowa State in the Sweet Sixteen, Estrella scored 6 points and grabbed 4 rebounds to help his team advance to the Elite Eight.

Why it matters

Estrella's success in the tournament has made Mainers proud, as he continues to represent the state on the national stage. His breakout season has been a key factor in Tennessee's deep tournament run, which has them one win away from the Final Four.

The details

Estrella, a redshirt sophomore, has worked his way into the starting lineup for Tennessee over the past three weeks. His strong play has helped the Volunteers reach the Elite Eight for the third consecutive year. In the win over Iowa State, Estrella's crucial late bucket helped Tennessee pull away and secure the victory.

  • Tennessee defeated Iowa State 76-62 on March 27, 2026 to advance to the Elite Eight.
  • The Volunteers will face the No. 1 seed Michigan Wolverines in the Elite Eight on March 29, 2026 at 2:15 PM ET.

The players

J.P. Estrella

A 6'11" forward from Scarborough/South Portland, Maine, who is a redshirt sophomore at the University of Tennessee. Estrella has been a key contributor for the Volunteers during their tournament run, averaging 10.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.

Tennessee Volunteers

The men's basketball team from the University of Tennessee, which has reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year.

Michigan Wolverines

The No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region of the NCAA Tournament, who will face the Tennessee Volunteers in the Elite Eight.

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What they’re saying

“This breakout season for Estrella just continues to roll on. The 6'11" forward is averaging 10.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. His play has been so strong lately that he worked his way into the starting lineup three weeks ago—and he hasn't looked back.”

— Chris Sedenka, Author

What’s next

The winner of the Tennessee-Michigan matchup in the Elite Eight will advance to the Final Four.

The takeaway

J.P. Estrella's success with the Tennessee Volunteers in the NCAA Tournament has made Mainers proud, as the 6'11" forward continues to represent his home state on the national stage. Estrella's breakout season has been a key factor in Tennessee's deep tournament run, and he will look to help the Volunteers reach the Final Four when they face the top-seeded Michigan Wolverines.