Tennessee's J.P. Estrella 'Seems to Be Fine' for Alabama Game

Vols coach Rick Barnes says sophomore forward practiced and is expected to play after missing two games with foot soreness.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 1:10am

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Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes said that sophomore forward J.P. Estrella 'seems to be fine' and practiced on Thursday, indicating he is expected to play in the Vols' home game against Alabama on Saturday. Estrella missed the previous two games due to soreness in his left foot, an issue that has plagued him in the past, including a stress fracture that ended his sophomore season early. The only Tennessee player listed on the SEC Availability Report is freshman guard Clarence Massamba, who is out with a hip injury.

Why it matters

Estrella's health is crucial for Tennessee as they host a top-20 matchup against SEC rival Alabama. The 6'11" forward has been a key contributor for the Vols this season, averaging 9.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game while shooting 61.6% from the field. His return would provide a boost to Tennessee's frontcourt as they look to bounce back from a recent loss at Missouri.

The details

Estrella missed the Vols' previous two games due to soreness in his left foot, an issue that has caused him problems in the past, including a stress fracture that ended his sophomore season early. However, he returned to action in the loss at Missouri on Tuesday, playing six minutes off the bench. Coach Rick Barnes said Estrella practiced on Thursday and 'seems to be fine' heading into Saturday's game against Alabama.

  • Estrella missed the LSU and Oklahoma games due to the foot soreness.
  • Estrella returned to action in the loss at Missouri on Tuesday, playing six minutes off the bench.
  • Estrella practiced on Thursday ahead of the Alabama game on Saturday.

The players

J.P. Estrella

A redshirt sophomore power forward for the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team who has been dealing with soreness in his left foot, an issue that has plagued him in the past.

Rick Barnes

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball team.

Clarence Massamba

A freshman guard for the Tennessee Volunteers who is out with a hip injury.

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What they’re saying

“He practiced yesterday, so he seems to be fine. I haven't heard anything else today.”

— Rick Barnes, Head Coach, Tennessee Volunteers

“I think it had been sore and he didn't tell anybody because I think he wants to play so badly. ... But he can't do that. He has had that problem with that foot. That is something that you can't mess around with.”

— Rick Barnes, Head Coach, Tennessee Volunteers

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Estrella's health and availability will be crucial for Tennessee as they host a top-20 matchup against SEC rival Alabama. The Vols will need their starting forward at full strength to have the best chance of defeating the Crimson Tide and bouncing back from their recent loss.