Indiana Basketball’s Jalen Hood-Schifino Drafted 17th by Los Angeles Lakers in NBA Draft’s First Round

Staff report

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — June 22, 2023

Jalen Hood-Schifino, a standout freshman from Indiana Basketball, has been selected as the 17th overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2023 NBA Draft on Thursday night.

Hood-Schifino, a 6-foot-5 guard, made an impact during his freshman season, earning several accolades for his performance on the court. He was named a finalist for the Kyle Macy National Freshman of the Year award and was selected to the USBWA All-District V team.

Within the Big Ten Conference, Hood-Schifino was recognized as the Freshman of the Year by both the media and the coaches. He was also included in the All-Big Ten Second Team by the media and the Third Team by the coaches. In addition, he was part of the All-Big Ten Freshman Team as recognized by both the media and the coaches.

During the 2022-23 season, Hood-Schifino started in all 32 games he played. He showcased his versatility by averaging 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. He finished second in points and assists for Indiana Basketball.

Hood-Schifino ranked among the top freshmen in the Big Ten. He secured the third-highest scoring average (13.5) among conference freshmen, along with the second-highest assists average (3.8) and the fourth-highest rebounding average (4.1).

The freshman guard etched his name in the Indiana Basketball record books, becoming the fourth freshman in program history to achieve a total of 117 assists in a single season.

Throughout the season, Hood-Schifino consistently demonstrated his skills and versatility on the court. In the season opener against Morehead State on November 7, he contributed seven points, four assists, two rebounds, and one steal. He continued to impress, accumulating notable performances in various games, including an eight-point, eight-assist, five-rebound, two-steal display against Bethune-Cookman on November 10.

Despite missing a few games due to injury, Hood-Schifino bounced back with strong showings upon his return. Notably, he registered a career-best 35 points against No. 5/5 Purdue on February 25, leading his team to victory with seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one blocked shot.

Hood-Schifino’s remarkable season concluded with a notable performance in the NCAA Tournament. In the second round matchup against No. 16/15 Miami on March 19, he recorded 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one block.

Hood-Schifino embarks on a new chapter in his basketball career as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.