Three takeaways from Indiana basketball at 2022 Media Day

The Indiana basketball Media Day commenced on Thursday, September 22nd at Assembly Hall, and things felt a bit different this year.

The Hoosiers are starting off practice on Monday, September 26th with an expectation that Indiana basketball is “back” and in position to compete for a Big Ten title and national championship in 2022-23.

While some people buy that hype and others scoff at it, the pressure mounting for the Hoosiers in Bloomington is growing day-by-day, and it seems like the roster and coaching staff is taking that in stride.

“We can’t run from it. It’s what it is.”

Mike Woodson opened up Media Day on Saturday knowing that the Hoosiers have this pressure on their backs. With the non-conference and conference schedule revealed weeks ago, Indiana basketball is in for some really tough matchups to start the season in November and December, and things don’t get easier as the teeth of the conference schedule is late January and February.

Three takeaways from Indiana basketball at Media Day

#3. Incoming freshman, Jalen Hood-Schifino, seems to be the real deal

Jalen Hood-Schifino is coming into Bloomington with way less pressure and “hype” than Romeo Langford and Trayce Jackson-Davis, despite being ranked in the top 25 of the 2022 class and being considered a five-star combo guard from an exceptional school like Montverde Academy.

“He’s ridiculous. He’s crafty with the ball. His midrange is on point. He’s really mature for his age.”

Each player that spoke with the media mentioned the talent and impressive showing by all freshmen, especially Hood-Schifino. Senior forward, Trayce Jackson-Davis, is possibly the most excited and thrilled with the freshman guard joining the program. He even mentioned that he expects Hood-Schifino will only need one season in Bloomington to get to the NBA.

Mike Woodson seems very high on all of these freshmen and expects all four of these scholarship freshmen to make an impact on the floor from the start to the season. Woodson has a chance to develop and lead Hood-Schifino to a potential All-American freshman season:

"“(Jalen Hood) Schifino has been a great addition to our ball club because he can do a lot of things on the basketball floor. But he’s got to be held accountable to play at a high level and help us win basketball games. I’m going to need him to do that.”"