This weekend, Indiana beat their in-state rival Purdue 79-71 behind a breakout performance by Jalen Hood-Schifino. The freshman combo guard scored 35 points with 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block on 14-24 shooting. Beyond the gaudy statistical big performance, a lot of what he did was translatable and helps paint a picture of what his scoring role would look like in the NBA.
Most of Hood-Schifino’s scoring came from within 15 feet of the rim, relying on floaters, drives, and mid range jumpers out of the pick & roll. As a guard in the NBA, you have to be able to thrive as a P&R scorer and passer, and Jalen Hood-Schifino checks that box. He already has an advanced knowledge of how to time and navigate screens offensively, allowing him to already look like DeMar DeRozan in the mid-range.
Having a variety in the mid-range makes scoring in the two point line more dangerous and potent. One example beyond DeMar DeRozan is Devin Booker, who has been one of the best three level scorers in the league. Compare the film above to this game two years ago:
As Hood-Schifino grows his three point shooting, his three level scoring will likely be unlocked. As of the Monday after the Purdue game, Jalen is shooting 36.4% from three and 77% from the free throw line, both good statistical indicators of the jump shot translating.
Above is Jalen Hood-Schifino’s shot chart with just two games left in the regular season until the Big Ten Tournament begins. While the mid range shooting is clearly real and legitimate, he will need to prove shooting in the corners to fully play off-ball, and further develop at the rim on layups and finishing in traffic.
At the moment, Jalen Hood-Schifino has been the biggest riser over the last month in the NBA Draft. As a 6’6 freshman combo guard with multiple 30+ point games since January, scouts are catching on and his rise may not be close to done. Over his last five games heading into the Iowa game Tuesday, he is averaging 19.6 PPG, 5 RPG, and 2.6 APG on splits of 46/23.5/94. The paradox of free throw shooting success and three point shooting woes is odd, but the stats emphasize his ability to impact the game without a consistent three point jump shot.
