Arrived last summer on the Bloomington campus to play his “freshman” season with Indiana, Jalen Hood Schifinoa solid high school student in the class of 2022 without being a “big name” (#26 in his age group), knew he was going to start in the five majors of mike woodson. On the other hand, while he was rather considered upon leaving high school as a leader to be developed over at least two seasons, he did not know precisely how many years he would play with the Hoosiers before trying his luck in the NBA.
A question that quickly turned into certainty, throughout the following six months which made up his very good “freshman” season (13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists).
” When I discussed it with the staff at the end of the season, they knew it was time for me to go. And me, I felt ready and I thought it was the right decision“, thus assures “JHS”. ” They weren’t planning on persuading me to come back, because that wouldn’t have been wise. It was the right choice for me. »
Mike Woodson, the architect of his success
A brilliant contributor to the Hoosiers’ game as a “freshman”, therefore, Jalen Hood-Schifino did not take his responsibilities on his own. Holder but as a back and therefore in an “off-ball” role to start the season, he was effectively “forced” to take the reins of the attack by Mike Woodson at the end of December, when the point guard Xavier Johnson injured his foot and missed the rest of the campaign.
A baptism by fire and an accelerated learning process which offered him the possibility of rediscovering his natural role as a ball carrier, and thus launched his rise to power.
” When Xavier [Johnson] got injured, I was able to have more of the ball in my hands. The staff gave me the keys to the attack, and placed all their trust in me. [Coach Woodson] let me play my game, he put me in an ideal position to play good basketball, and especially to potentially become a ‘lottery pick’, or at least a first-round pick“, he concludes. ” It was quite a challenge, to take over [de Johnson]but I took advantage of it and I think I even exceeded expectations. »
Considered, at best, as a second-round choice at the start of the season, the now former Indiana player is today announced around 15th place in the Draft. Quite a boost, indeed.
