Tennessee's Estrella picks Michigan three days after national title

Tennessee's Estrella picks Michigan three days after national title originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The squad that took the Tennessee Volunteers out of the Elite Eight is getting another Volunteer. J.P. Estrella, the 6'11" who played in Knoxville for three seasons, committed to Michigan Thursday, according to Pete Thamel of ESPN, just three days after the Dusty May-coached program claimed its first NCAA title since 1989.

Estrella was recruited by basically every blue blood across the country and he opted for the national champs.

Michigan gets another key piece to its frontcourt recruiting pipeline

Averaging 10 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, Estrella was the most efficient big man in the SEC this season. He shot better than 60% from the field in 33 contests.

In Michigan's 95-62 rout of Tennessee, Estrella totaled seven points and seven rebounds in 25 minutes. It was more than enough.

Eighth nationally in offensive rebounding rate, Estrella offers the kind of inside presence that Michigan has built its roster around. Estrella plays the style of basketball Michigan needs.

But let's talk about the harsh reality. All three of Lendeborg, Mara and Johnson Jr. are projected first-round picks. Those players form the core of Michigan's 37-3 title run. One portal addition doesn't replace that.

But May has done this once before. Just two years ago, Goldin and Wolf formed the foundation of his team that won a title. The blueprint already exists.

With two years of eligibility, May has ample opportunity to develop Estrella beyond simply utilizing him. That's been Michigan's MO with big men, and it's worked.

Michigan is going to be in the mix for another title next year. Estrella is an important first piece to the puzzle. Whether he proves to be the difference remains to be seen.