Tennessee’s Admiral Schofield May Join Cavaliers After Benching In Round 2 Of NCAA Tournament

Tennessee basketball found itself in the midst of a potentially historic collapse on Sunday after blowing a 25-point lead to Iowa. Yet, the team’s best player, Admiral Schofield, was on the bench during overtime. Fans were confused at how head coach Rick Barnes could make such a choice.

Vols Basketball Star Admiral Schofield Coud Join Cavs

However, after the game, Barnes said, “He didn’t want to play.” Schofield explained that he “just made a sacrifice, and said, ‘You know what, take me out.’”

For a hypercompetitive, All-SEC 21-year-old, the move could be viewed as wisdom and poise beyond his years. With four fouls, he knew that the opposing offense would go after him and that he couldn’t guard the way his team needed him to.

“I’m a winner,” Schofield said. “At the end of the day, if I don’t have to be on the floor to win, that’s fine.”

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Schofield declared for the 2019 NBA draft this year. While he could still return to the Vols, rumors are beginning to drum up about the star that he very well could fall to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Most of the team’s draft focus will go to their own pick, which is projected to be the No. 2 overall selection. But they also hold the Houston Rockets‘ 2019 first-rounder. The Cavs do have to address both issues on defense and in playmaking, however, Schofield could slot in as a much-needed addition.

Since trading shooter Kyle Korver to the Utah Jazz, the team has lacked a go-to 3 and defensive guy. With an NBA-ready body, pure shooting ability and the size and skill to guard up to four positions, Schofield could be a solid building block for the team. With Brandon Knight and Jordan Clarkson under contract for 2020, Schofield could develop and then anchor the second unit by as soon as next year.

As Kevin Love provides stability, Collin Sexton is developing into a strong player, and the No. 2 overall pick still ready to be used, Cleveland shouldn’t remain irrelevant. Schofield may never be the sole reason a team wins a championship, but James Jones and Shane Battier all helped LeBron James to the NBA Finals.