#1. Jalen Hood-Schifino will be the Hoosiers’ MVP this season
“Overreaction”. “Wait until he plays in a Big Ten game”. “He had two turnovers against an NAIA team”.
None of the above statements matter to me at all. Jalen Hood-Schifino proved to me that he will be the most important player for the Indiana basketball program this season. Above Trayce Jackson-Davis. Ahead of Xavier Johnson and Race Thompson. Hood-Schifino will be the reason if the Hoosiers do anything relevant in 2022-23.
The freshman guard had 11 points, four assists, and two turnovers in 24 minutes on Saturday and shot 5 for 8 from the field. It was a very easy and smooth 11 points. What stood out to me most was the fact that Coach Woodson has after-time-out and out-of-bounds plays set up for Hood-Schifino because he knows the talent that he has.
Jalen Hood-Schifino was calm in the pick and roll game. Strong finish on the first play and a good, quick read to find Reneau on the second. pic.twitter.com/logNEeduAC
— Zion Brown (@z10nbr0wn) October 30, 2022
Confidence and basketball IQ are not something we Hoosier basketball fans are too familiar with in recent seasons from our guards. This is why Hood-Schifino should be leading this offense ahead of Xavier Johnson. Yes, Johnson has the experience and chemistry with Jackson-Davis, but Hood-Schifino is a much calmer and smooth decision-maker with the ball in his hands.
2022-23 Indiana basketball MVP: Jalen Hood-Schifino