NCAA Basketball: Ranking teams in play for 2022 guard Jalen Hood-Schifino

We’ve had a couple of five-star guards in the 2022 NCAA Basketball recruiting class update their recruitment in Dior Johnson and Keyonte George, who each have come out with a list of potential suitors. There was another talented guard who originally had committed before in Jalen Hood-Schifino, who was supposed to be a Pitt Panther.

However, the top-30 prospect from Charlotte, North Carolina (currently plays his high school ball at Montverde Academy in Florida) opted to reopen his recruitment instead of making an early decision. That move was great for the other power conference programs who were looking for a five-star caliber guard that wasn’t in contention for the others ranked in the top-20.

Hood-Schifino has the potential to rise up to that range, as he has all the tools to be a fantastic college and future pro. At 6’5, the combo guard has great size that benefits him on both ends of the court. He can defend anywhere on the perimeter and thrives with the ball in his hands, although Hood-Schifino can play off the ball and shoot it too.

Now as a free agent again, the top-30 prospect is having his recruitment heat up again. We might not have an official list but we do know the programs that are genuinely in the running. As of now, here’s how I would rank the options.

7. Oregon Ducks

The Ducks recently landed Oklahoma transfer De’Vion Harmon, who has multiple years left as the team’s starting point guard. They’re also currently targeting a number of top-30 guards in the 2022 class, including Dior Johnson, Zion Cruz, and Ramel Lloyd Jr. That also doesn’t even include potential transfers the program could target next offseason.

Oregon is a very good program but is also the only western-based option for Hood-Schifino. It’s hard seeing him going all the way out there to play when there are more local options for him to take.