Marist men’s basketball is currently having one of the best seasons in recent history. Players like sophomore guards Jaden Collins-Roberts and Josh Pascarelli have been a big part of the team’s success. However, someone who has been flying under the radar is Poughkeepsie native red-shirt freshman center Jason Schofield.
The backup center is the first man off the bench and averages just under five points and three rebounds per game, including a double-double against Canisius on February 21. Although not eye-catching numbers, Schofield’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet.
The 6-foot-9 center brings energy right when he checks in the game and his presence is felt when he is in or around the paint. Marist is 6-0 when Schofield scores 10 or more points.
Schofield started playing basketball at five years old, but never thought about playing college basketball. That is, until the Covid-19 pandemic hit. During the pandemic, Schofield did not have much to do and turned his attention to training. His efforts in the weight room, eating right and working on his game proved dividends once the pandemic subsided.
After Covid, Schofield became serious about basketball. Schofield decided to play for South Kent High School and face better competition. He also joined AAU team PSA Cardinals to compete at a high level year-round.
“I went to South Kent because my old high school, Avon Old Farms, was not focused enough on basketball for me. South Kent practices year-round. It was hard but definitely worth it,” said Schofield.
During away tournaments, the coaches took the players’ phones to ensure they focused on basketball. Scofield didn’t like it at the time but he appreciates it more now.
After an elite high school career including a top-150 prospect ranking, a 32-7 record his senior year and a conference championship, Schofield received offers from Division 1 schools Bryant, UAlbany and Hofstra. The center liked to get offers from those schools, but when he got an offer from Marist, it was a dream come true.
“My mom and some others in my family went here, so I got to see the campus a lot growing up. When I got recruited here it was a full circle moment,” said Schofield.
In Scofield’s official visit, he bonded with the coaches right away and loved everything the campus had to offer. The center reclassified to come to Marist early. This meant instead of Schofield staying at South Kent one more year, he came to Marist early and used a redshirt year.
“Last year was major for me in lifting and basketball. I learned a lot watching my teammates last year,” said Schofield. “Max Allen helped develop my post-game. Watching him play last year and him teaching me some things helped me develop my post-game.”
Max Allen II played on the team in 2023-24 and averaged a team-high 11.4 points per game with 51.8 % shooting from the field. Allen was a great mentor for Schofield and taught him about what it’s like to play in the post in Division 1 basketball.
The post is the main area of the Poughkeepsie native’s game. Schofield has not attempted a three-point shot all year, so he relies on the post to make his impact. All 56 made field goals from the center have come from the post, but he also can dish it out when swarmed in the paint.
“I have worked on other things like my passing when I’m playing out the post,” said Schofield. He recorded a season-high seven assists in 18 minutes against Stony Brook on Dec. 17.
The Red Foxes had lost just once in the two months before late January, winning five out of their last six, but things took a turn for the Red Foxes and Schofield.
On Jan 31st, Marist played their rival Siena in a sellout McCann Arena. Schofield entered the game early in the first half and injured his ankle but later returned to the game. Schofield returned to the game but something wasn’t right.
“The atmosphere was incredible and the couple of games before the crowd was also really good. I wish I could have played more in that game,” said Schofield.
Schofield missed the next two games and the Red Foxes lost their next two games. Schofield worked hard with the doctors the next week and made sure he could make a return for the Marist games against both Siena and Merrimack.
“The doctors and coaches helped me come back earlier than expected. It’s still a little sore so I have been working on my passing more,” said Schofield. “We are taking it one game at a time and we will prepare for the tournament as it gets closer.”
The Red Foxes regular season is coming to a close. Schofield will try to continue to make his presence felt throughout the regular season and playoffs. With their regular season coming to a close, Marist men’s basketball is contending to make a run at the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1987 and potentially win their first ever MAAC title.
Edited by Ryan Eichem and Marley Pope
Graphic by Quinn DiFiore; Photo from Athletics
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