Schofield declares for NBA Draft, not hiring agent

Junior Tennessee basketball forward Admiral Schofield plans to put his name up for consideration in the upcoming 2018 NBA Draft on June 21. However, the Illinois native did not hire an agent, meaning if he withdraws his name from the draft before May 30, he can return to the Volunteers for his senior season.

“Coach (Rick) Barnes has encouraged me to go through that process, work out for teams, and learn as much as I can about the transition from college to basketball,” Schofield said in a tweet Thursday. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to receive feedback from the NBA personnel and where I stand.”

Earlier in the season, Schofield was named second-team All-SEC and played a large part in Tennessee’s first regular season conference championship in a decade.

After the Vols 63-62 upset loss to No. 11 seed Loyola-Chicago, SEC Player of the Year Grant Williams and Schofield both indicated they would be returning for the 2019 season.

“I love my teammates, I love my family. These guys are my brothers,” Schofield said. “I really feel certain I want to come back.”

Regardless, the situation proves a win-win for the 6-foot-5, 238-pound Volunteer. Schofield led Tennessee in rebounds during the 2017-18 season and finished with an average of nearly 14 points per game, the second most behind Williams.

If Schofield does choose to return to the Vols next season, Tennessee will return every player on their roster from last season except senior grad-transfer James Daniel III.

Featured image of Tennessee Athletics