KNOXVILLE – At times during Admiral Schofield’s first two basketball seasons at Tennessee, coach Rick Barnes had little choice but to play him as a power forward, even though Schofield is just 6-foot-5.
This year the junior’s versatility is not a necessity. Barnes described it Monday as a luxury.
The No. 21 Volunteers (12-4, 3-2 SEC) tip off at 9 EST Wednesday night at Missouri (12-5, 2-2) with Schofield sliding seamlessly between the small forward and power forward positions as dictated by teammates’ performances and the matchups presented by opponents.
“How much we play him at the three really depends on if there’s a post guy playing well other than Grant (Williams),” Barnes said. “Or if one of the wings aren’t doing what they need to do, he gives us the luxury to put him where we need some help that night.”
Schofield knew entering this season that his role would change, and he planned accordingly. He attempted 1,000 shots a day during the offseason as he tried to refine his outside stroke in anticipation of being used more on the perimeter.