I wonder if Kyle Alexander just lost his starting spot? Lew Evans startted the 2nd half versus Kentucky. I think that if Alexander doesn't start, Schofield will get the nod against Kansas State.
I actually won't be surprised if Alexander continues to start for a couple of reasons. First, Alexander gives TN the best chance of winning the opening tap. Second, it helps prevent Alexander from getting discouraged... his development is critical in order for TN to take a major stride forward. Also, it's still possible for TN to do some damage in the SECT or the NIT and Alexander could be a contributor with another 6 weeks of work. Third, it's easier to manage his minutes from the start if he's not contributing. It's better to have him get as many minutes as possible from the start when neither team has settled in to the flow. It would be more disruptive, if he's not performing, to insert him and then have to quickly remove him. Fourth, make the opponents prepare for him instead of his replacement. All that said though, I'll be surprised if he starts versus Kansas State and I won't be surprised if he plays zero minutes. HOWEVER, we don't see him practice and maybe he shows flashes of being a significant contributor in those situations.
I hope Kyle hangs tough and takes the diminishing minutes as a form of motivation instead of becoming discouraged. I bet that he's a team member with a great attitude and Barnes will do everything possible to keep him moving forward with his development.