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Top 3 JP Estrella transfer portal destinations after Tennessee departure
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Tennessee basketball gained a new shooting option in Belmont transfer Tyler Lundblade . But the Volunteers lose key big JP Estrella five days later.
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Roster changes are taking place amid Rick Barnes committing to a 12th season in Knoxville. Barnes and the Vols could be in for a long-awaited Final Four breakthrough after three straight Elite Eight appearances.
The veteran head coach now knows he's got two front court departures to fill. The other being prized freshman Nate Ament who's likely NBA Draft bound.
But where will Estrella end up? Especially after dropping 10 points per game with 5.4 rebounds? Three destinations rise here for the 6-foot-11 big.
JP Estrella to North Carolina
Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Chapel Hill enters the picture right away for this reason: The arrival of Michael Malone as head coach .
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The former Denver Nuggets NBA Finals champion gets hired with the College Basketball Transfer Portal opening officially Tuesday. Malone will likely hit the ground running for the Tar Heels.
The now former ESPN analyst will need players with more than talent, but previous March Madness experience. That's where Estrella can come in.
Plus he can handle the dirty work for Malone's first UNC team. Estrella could even form a stout front court tandem with Henri Veesaar if the Tar Heel returns.
Michigan likely will take a look
The Wolverines will have a new-look forward and center lineup after the National Championship game.
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Dusty May built this Wolverines contender with portal additions, including forward Yaxel Lendeborg. May needs new experience down low.
Estrella presents the look and feel of someone who can fortify a 2026-27 need in Ann Arbor. His offensive skillset fits perfectly for May's ground-and-pound approach.
May must address upcoming departures including Lendeborg and possibly junior center Aday Mara. Adding Estrella helps reignite Final Four chatter on campus.
Big East contender must capitalize on Estrella's exit
St. John's now expects NCAA Tournament and Big East championship runs with Rick Pitino in place.
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That additionally means reloading during the offseason.
The Red Storm are losing top versatile big Zuby Ejiofor, Dillon Mitchell and Bryce Hopkins. Pitino still sparked a Sweet 16 run despite lacking size up front.
Estrella improves the height aspect if brought over to Queens, NY. His post game and defense looks tailored made for the Big East rigors. Pitino will become aggressive in the portal as the "Johnnies" seek a long-awaited Final Four return. Plus talent like Estrella can fire up thoughts of a third straight conference championship.
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