NCAA Basketball: Midseason scouting notes and takeaways on 2023 NBA Draft prospects

Jalen Hood-Schifino – Indiana – 6’6, 213 lbs – June 2003

I thought Hood-Schifino would be a two-and-done player entering this year, but without Xavier Johnson in the lineup, his usage has ticked up and he put together a few impressive performances, opening the door for his one-and-done status. Hood-Schifino has noticeable size for a lead guard at 6’6 (probably 6’5), and solid shot mechanics that look improved since I saw him roughly a year ago with Montverde.

He had a solid yet unspectacular game against Illinois. Hood-Schifino has a tight handle and handles pressure well. He made some impressive reads as a playmaker, finding cutters and well-placed lobs over the top. His decision-making is generally solid, but I’d like to see him get more creative when plays break down. He had one really nice play where Sincere Harris forced him away from a ball screen and he used his handle to create an opening and use his eyes to deceive the defense, finding a cutter.

Hood-Schfino’s biggest question is how he can create advantages without elite speed or tools. Hood-Schifino isn’t that fast getting downhill, can improvise a bit but doesn’t have special “Point guard brain” and is a capable scorer but primarily needs to play on the ball. Hood-Schifino really only plays on a straight line with a lack of shift. Again, as a lead guard at the next level, it’s hard to do that.

I like Hood-Schifino and think another year (one where he is fully healthy), and shows more pull-up shooting could help him. That being said, this is a brutally weak PG class and Hood-Schifino may be interesting in the early second or late first. I think he is a backup point guard in the long run that should stick in the NBA.