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The Tennessee men’s basketball team has a legitimate shot at a national title this year after an unexpected run to the regular season SEC title in 2018. A massive part of that team is Admiral Schofield, who declared for the 2018 NBA Draft before withdrawing to return to the Vols for one more season.
Schofield’s NBA prospects picked up steam down the stretch of the 2017-18 season. Admiral became the main option for the Vols during tournament season, powering Tennessee to the regular season SEC title and an appearance in the SEC Tournament Championship game. The national media — and apparently the NBA — took notice.
Schofield’s improved shooting and overall tenacity makes him a desirable prospect for just about any team. His chiseled 6-5, 240 pound frame makes him unique for a likely shooting guard prospect.
Here’s what SI’s Jeremy Woo had to say on Schofield.
There aren’t many wings built as functionally strong as Schofield, whose husky football-player frame (his older brother played linebacker in the NFL) gives him a chance to defend bigger opponents and provide a unique level of versatility. He has a solid feel for the game, shot 39% from three last season, can finish in the paint and take smaller opponents in the post, and also impacts the game on the glass. As far as returning seniors go, Schofield is one to track as the leader of a Tennessee team that returns all its key pieces.
It did seem like Admiral turned a corner in March last season. I’m interested to see if Schofield returns with that edge and can possibly unseat SEC player of the year Grant Williams as Tennessee’s leading scorer.
Tennessee hasn’t seen a Vol drafted to the NBA since Josh Richardson in 2015. Schofield is a pretty good bet to change that next summer.