One of the premier novice basketball gamers within the nation has chosen his collegiate dwelling.
On Friday afternoon, Brewster Academy and Middlesex Magic’s JP Estrella introduced his dedication to the University of Tennessee whereas on with 247Sports’ Adam Finkelstein. The rising senior spent his junior yr at South Portland High School, the place he averaged 20 factors and 12 rebounds to guide his workforce to Maine’s Class AA state championship. His choice comes on the eve of his 18th birthday.
The four-star, 6-foot-11 stretch ahead has been closely coveted over the course of the final yr as he noticed his inventory balloon all through the spring and summer season reside intervals with the Middlesex Magic. After fielding provides from various the NCAA’s blue bloods, together with Duke and Kansas, Estrella narrowed his record right down to a remaining three of Syracuse, Tennessee and Iowa earlier than in the end deciding on the Volunteers.
“Every visit I took, but particularly to Syracuse, Tennessee and Iowa, was special,” Estrella stated within the leadup to the announcement. “Just with Tennessee, I had that feeling where I did not want to leave after my visit. I wanted to stay longer.”
Estrella has been one of the vital extensively touted gamers all through the previous six months and is ranked as excessive because the No. 18 recruit in On3’s 2023 class rankings. His size, athleticism and explosiveness makes him a real multi-faceted participant as he’s nimble across the basket and a excessive stage perimeter shooter.
“After the first live period earlier this spring, things really took off,” Estrella stated. “It was certainly overwhelming in some respects at first. You have hall of fame coaches texting and calling you, but I owe a lot to my mom and dad, who have been right there.”
For the Middlesex Magic, Estrella represents a brand new face to a program that has develop into extremely regarded throughout the nation. With Estrella on the middle of all of it, the Magic completed 18-3 in its first go-around as a part of the Under Armour Association in 2022 and completed second within the The Circuit’s high 25 finish of season rankings. Estrella’s unselfishness was a key asset in getting eyes on the Magic’s complete under-17 roster.
“JP has all the tools to get to wherever he wants to get to,” Middlesex Magic program director Michael Crotty stated. “He was a kid 15 months ago really nobody knew and then due to his own work ethic he sky rocketed. We are all so happy for him. His demeanor, his personality, his unselfishness. It’s just everything you want as part of your program.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com