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NBA Draft: Admiral Schofield ranked No. 49 on SI big board for 2019 NBA Draft

By Billy Williford

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 17: Admiral Schofield #5 and Lamonte Turner #1 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrate in the first half against the Loyola Ramblers during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at the American Airlines Center on March 17, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 17: Admiral Schofield #5 and Lamonte Turner #1 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrate in the first half against the Loyola Ramblers during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at the American Airlines Center on March 17, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Sports Illustrated recently released their 2019 NBA Draft Big Board: Top 60 Prospects and Vols Admiral Schofield is on the list.

Yes, we are in the middle of summer. And, yes we are a long way off from the 2019 NBA Draft. However, Tennessee basketball player Admiral Schofield makes Sports Illustrated’s top 60 big board.

Schofield comes in as the 49th player on the list after having a fantastic junior season. A season that displayed a 13.9 scoring average. And, an all-around better game.

Schofield was the only Vol to make the list. However, this shouldn’t surprise anyone. Schofield is a good player and should make an NBA roster.

Here’s what Jeremy Woo from SI had to say about 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.”"

Woo is right, Schofield’s body is extremely functional. His first two seasons in Knoxville, he had to play more of a post position.

Woo also mentions the fact that Schofield shot 39 percent from the three-point line. That high percentage comes from only one season of really practicing his outside jumper. So, how good can Schofield shoot next season? Honestly, probably pretty good.

Schofield is back with the Vols after entering his name into the NBA Draft without an agent. Despite not being invited to the NBA combine, Schofield worked out for multiple teams. The Oklahoma City Thunder, Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, and the Milwaukee Bucks all gave him a shot.

Working out with NBA teams is an invaluable experience for any player but will do wonders for Schofield and the Vols. All the key pieces are back for a Tennessee team that was Regular Season Co-Champions of the SEC.

Moving forward, we think it is safe to say that Schofield will be in the NBA one day. And, as he currently ranks 49th it’s safe to say we will hear his name called in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Next: Tennessee basketball all-century team: Vols roster with players since 2000

Schofield has improved his game each year with the Vols, and if that trend continues, he might find himself as a first-round draft pick. We will keep an eye on big boards and mock draft as Schofield’s season year unfolds.

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