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Michigan gets another huge roster win after Dusty May's departure originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Michigan's roster looked like it could face major uncertainty after Dusty May left for the NBA, but the Wolverines continue stacking offseason victories.
Just days after key players Elliot Cadeau, Trey McKenney and Moustapha Thiam all announced they would remain in Ann Arbor, another important piece of Michigan's 2026-27 roster has made his decision. Tennessee transfer J.P. Estrella confirmed he is staying with the Wolverines, giving interim head coach Mike Boynton Jr. another significant win as he works to keep May's roster intact. For a program navigating a coaching change, retaining a player who had only recently committed to Michigan is another encouraging sign that the Wolverines may avoid the mass roster turnover many expected.
J.P. Estrella isn't going anywhere
Estrella told On3 that he plans to remain at Michigan despite May's departure. ESPN's Pete Thamel first reported the news, noting that Estrella quickly developed a strong relationship with Boynton after arriving on campus nearly two weeks ago. Boynton played a major role in recruiting much of Michigan's current roster and has become a stabilizing presence following the coaching change.
The 6-foot-11 sophomore transferred from Tennessee after putting together the best season of his collegiate career.
Last season, Estrella averaged 10.0 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 59.6% from the field across 33 games. He scored in double figures 19 times and recorded five double-doubles while helping Tennessee reach the Elite Eight.
Michigan continues to keep its roster together
Estrella's announcement is the latest piece of good news for Michigan. Earlier this week, Cadeau, McKenney and Thiam all publicly committed to staying with the Wolverines despite the uncertainty created by May's exit.
That gives Boynton a talented nucleus to build around as he prepares for his first season leading the program. Roster retention has become one of the biggest challenges in modern college basketball, particularly in the transfer portal era. Michigan appears to be handling that challenge better than many expected.
MORE: Duke makes major move for Kon Knueppel's younger brother as recruitment heats up
Estrella could become a major frontcourt piece
Michigan believes Estrella can make an immediate impact. Assistant coach Kyle Church recently compared Estrella's game to former Wolverine Morez Johnson Jr., praising his toughness, motor and positional versatility.
With Estrella expected to play alongside Thiam, the Wolverines suddenly have one of the more intriguing frontcourts in the Big Ten entering the 2026-27 season. While replacing a coach like May is never easy, Michigan's ability to keep adding — and retaining — talent has made the transition far smoother than many anticipated.
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