Jonathan Givony and Adrian Wojnarowski11:00 AM ET3 Minute Read
Jalen Hood-Schifino sinks clutch 3 for Indiana
Jalen Hood-Schifino buries a big 3-pointer as Indiana’s shot clock runs out.
Jalen Hood-Schifino, a newly minted Indiana security guard who is a prospective lottery winner, will forego his remaining college eligibility and participate in the 2023 NBA draft, he told ESPN Friday morning.
“For me, the time is now,” Hood-Schifino told ESPN. “It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little boy.”
Hood-Schifino, the No. 13 on ESPN’s NBA Draft Projections, was voted Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Year and second-team All-Big Ten for averaging 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
“My freshman season was just amazing,” said Hood-Schifino, who is 6’5 with a wingspan of 6’10. “My coaches kept their word by putting their absolute trust in me as a newcomer. We didn’t win a national championship but overall the season was successful and it was a surreal moment to witness March Madness.”
He later announced this on Instagram.
While not initially projected as a definite one-and-done player, Hood-Schifino has become a potential top 10 draft pick due to his productivity and influence in the Hoosiers’ win.
In mid-December, Hood-Schifino was asked to take on an outsized role after the team lost starting point guard Xavier Johnson to a season-ending injury. After a tumultuous start, Hood-Schifino captured the point guard position and helped propel Indiana to wins in 11 of their last 15 regular-season games, earning third place in the Big Ten and fourth place in the NCAA tournament.
“The NBA teams could see that I can take over a game, create my own shot, lead a team, that I have a high IQ, that I am strong and that I have a unique pace in my game,” Hood said – Schifino said. “I look forward to showing the NBA teams my body measurements that match what’s on paper, my athleticism and my shooting ability.”
Hood-Schifino fits the NBA prototype as a tall, ball-safe lead guard with versatile shooting skills, live-dribbling creativity and defensive toughness.
The NBA Draft Combine will take place in Chicago from May 15th to 21st and the draft on June 22nd in New York.
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analysis service used by NBA, NCAA, and international teams.