JP Estrella talks Tennessee, Syracuse, Notre Dame; visits and more

One of the biggest risers after week one of the live period is 6-foot-11 2023 JP Estrella. The post for the Middlesex Magic averaged a double-double throughout the UAA Circuit stop, with 25-plus coaches at all four of his games.

“I am a great defender,” Estrella told On3. “I block shots and get defensive rebounds. I’m a skilled offensive player, who can shoot, drive, and pass, and I am really athletic at my size. Strength is a big thing of mine, and I can see that I am getting stronger as I am playing stronger with the ball. I try and play like the best player I can be, but many people talk about Kristaps Porzingas as my ceiling. He can shoot with deep range, has a good handle, and can score in the post if he wants. It will take continued hard work, but I think I can get there.”

Estrella, original from South Portland, Maine, will transfer to play his senior season at Wolfeboro (NH) Brewster Academy. On3 caught up with JP Estrella after one of his wins at UAA Session 1 to talk about his recruitment before the impending blow-up.

“Of the schools who have offered right now, I hear the most from Tennessee, Marquette, Penn State. I have unofficially visited Harvard, Tennessee, Syracuse, and Providence. Notre Dame has been at all my games; they offered today.”

Estrella talks recruitment

Tennessee: “They are a great school. I really enjoyed my visit there. They have a great basketball team and a great coaching staff. They think I fit well with their offense, especially having a shooting big on their roster who can rebound is what they want and like about me.”

Providence: “They love I can shoot the ball. They like my size and my athleticism and have a guy on their team right now who is a four-man and can shoot the ball really well. They can see me being in his spot.”

Syracuse: “It was awesome talking with Coach (Jim) Boeheim. He is just a legendary coach, and that was awesome. The coaching staff there has been awesome, and their facility is great. They like athletic big guys who can make plays. They really like my game.”

Notre Dame: “My buddy Dom (2022 Notre Dame signee Dom Campbell) is going there next year, and they finished high in the ACC, so they are a very good basketball school. They like my defensive attributes and my offensive game. They are a new offer, but I can’t wait to learn more about them.”

Estrella’s take

“I will set up a couple of junior-year official visits, ” Estrella said. “I just need to figure out where before time runs out. Things have started to get crazy for me right now, with so many schools still contacting me and offering me. So I will play through April and let the dust settle a little.

“I am definitely looking for a culture fit. I’m looking for more than just a team, but a family I can hang out with every day. I want to do more than just go to college. I’d like to build bonds that last the rest of my life. I also want to win. I want to go to a program that wins.”

On3’s take

JP Estrella has good size, and he moves very fluidly for a player his size. Competitive on the block, he understands angles and has good footwork. The skilled forward can step out and knock down shots off the catch. He is a good area rebounder, and he works hard on the defensive end. He will need to continue adding weight, and he will need to work on the lateral quickness. There is a lot to like here as a stretch big with toughness and some pop. The upside is clear as Estrella should track as one of the top 100 prospects in his class.