Jalen Hood-Schifino has become one of the NBA’s most intriguing young talents in 2025. After being selected 17th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, Hood-Schifino has experienced an eventful start to his professional career.
From his time with the Lakers to his current role with the Philadelphia 76ers, the young guard has shown flashes of the potential that made him a highly-touted prospect coming out of Indiana University.
His journey from high school standout to NBA player represents a story of perseverance, athletic talent, and basketball intelligence that continues to unfold with each game he plays.
The Pittsburgh native has navigated several transitions in his brief professional career, including being traded and subsequently waived before finding a new opportunity with the 76ers on a two-way contract. Despite these early career challenges, Hood-Schifino has demonstrated resilience and continued to develop his game at both the NBA level and in the G League.
His recent performances with Philadelphia have showcased his scoring ability, court vision, and defensive potential, giving 76ers fans reason for optimism about his future with the organization.
Jalen Hood-Schifino’s Biography
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jalen Hood-Schifino |
| Date of Birth | June 19, 2003 |
| Age | 21 years |
| Education | Indiana University (2022-2023) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’5″ (1.96m) |
| Weight | 210 lbs (95kg) |
| Position | Point Guard / Shooting Guard |
| Turned Pro | 2023 (17th pick, 1st round) |
| Net Worth | $17.9 million |
| Salary (2024-25) | $146,307 (76ers two-way contract) |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| N/A | |
| N/A |
Early Career
Jalen Hood-Schifino’s basketball journey began in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was born on June 19, 2003. His athletic genes were apparent from an early age, with both parents having played sports at the collegiate level.
His father, Glenn Hood, played football as a quarterback at Santa Monica College, while his mother, Adrianne “Angel” Hood-Schifino, played basketball at Lock Haven University. This strong athletic foundation would prove instrumental in shaping Hood-Schifino’s development as a basketball player.
Hood-Schifino’s high school career was nomadic but successful, spanning three different programs. He began at Northside Christian Academy in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he quickly established himself as a talented prospect.
After his freshman year, he transferred to Combine Academy in Lincolnton, North Carolina, continuing to develop his skills and gain recognition as a standout player. However, the most significant move of his high school career came before his junior year when he transferred to the prestigious Montverde Academy in Florida.
At Montverde, one of the nation’s premier basketball programs under coach Kevin Boyle, Hood-Schifino’s game reached new heights. The program has produced numerous NBA players, providing Hood-Schifino with elite coaching and competition that accelerated his development.
His time at Montverde proved enormously successful as he helped the team win back-to-back GEICO High School Basketball National Championships in 2021 and 2022. These championship runs solidified his status as one of the top prospects in his class.
Hood-Schifino’s impressive high school career earned him recognition as a five-star recruit by some services and a four-star by others, but universally he was considered one of the top players in the 2022 class. His accomplishments extended beyond team success, as he was named to the prestigious Jordan Brand Classic, where he scored 14 points and displayed his three-point shooting ability.
During the offseason prior to college, Hood-Schifino worked out in California alongside NBA professionals, including Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers, gaining valuable experience and mentorship that would serve him well in the next phase of his career.
When it came time to make his college decision, Hood-Schifino chose the Indiana Hoosiers, a program with rich basketball tradition under the leadership of former NBA player and coach Mike Woodson.
The fit proved perfect for Hood-Schifino’s development. From the moment he arrived on campus, expectations were high—he was named the preseason Big Ten Freshman of the Year by media members, an indication of the potential they saw in him.
Professional Career
Jalen Hood-Schifino’s professional journey began on June 22, 2023, when the Los Angeles Lakers selected him with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the NBA Draft. The selection was met with enthusiasm from Lakers fans and analysts, who saw Hood-Schifino as a potential floor general of the future who could eventually take the reins from aging superstar LeBron James.
On July 8, 2023, Hood-Schifino officially signed a four-year rookie scale contract with the Lakers worth approximately $17.88 million, with $7.57 million guaranteed at signing.
Hood-Schifino’s rookie season with the Lakers in 2023-24 presented significant challenges as he attempted to adapt to the NBA level. Playing for a veteran-laden team with championship aspirations limited his opportunities for consistent playing time.
He appeared in 21 regular-season games for the Lakers, making no starts and averaging just 5.2 minutes per contest. In this limited action, Hood-Schifino averaged 1.6 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game, shooting 22.2% from the field and 13.3% from three-point range.
Despite the modest NBA numbers, Hood-Schifino showed flashes of his potential, including a career-high 10-point performance against the Detroit Pistons on November 29, 2023. However, his rookie season was also hampered by multiple injuries, including knee and back issues that caused him to miss significant time.
From October to November 2023, he missed 15 games due to a knee injury, and later in December and again in March-April 2024, he was sidelined with back problems.
While his NBA playing time was limited, Hood-Schifino received valuable development opportunities with the South Bay Lakers in the G League during the 2023-24 season. This proved to be an essential experience for his development, as he was able to play more minutes and assume a larger role.
With South Bay, Hood-Schifino flourished, averaging an impressive 22.0 points per game while shooting 47.3% from the field and a remarkable 43.2% from three-point range. He complemented his scoring with 4.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, demonstrating his all-around ability.
His G League performances included multiple standout games, with Hood-Schifino scoring 20 or more points ten times throughout the season. The pinnacle of his G League experience came on February 29, 2024, when he erupted for a career-best 38 points against Austin, shooting an efficient 10-of-17 from the field, 5-of-8 from three-point range, and 8-of-9 from the free-throw line. These performances showcased the scoring prowess and shooting ability that made him a first-round draft pick.
The 2024-25 season brought more challenges and changes for Hood-Schifino. He continued to struggle to find consistent playing time with the Lakers early in the season, and his second year was again plagued by injuries.
Between October 2024 and February 2025, he missed multiple games due to various ailments, including groin, hamstring, and illness issues, further complicating his development with the team.
Jalen Hood-Schifino’s Net Worth Details
Jalen Hood-Schifino’s net worth is estimated to be $17.9 million as of 2025.
Contract
Hood-Schifino’s contract history has seen significant changes in his brief NBA career. He initially signed a four-year rookie scale contract worth approximately $17.88 million with the Los Angeles Lakers after being drafted 17th overall in 2023.
This contract included $7.57 million guaranteed at signing, with a total guarantee of $17.88 million if all team options were exercised. However, on October 31, 2024, the Lakers declined his $4.06 million team option for the 2025-26 season, indicating they were not fully committed to his long-term development.
Following his trade to the Utah Jazz and subsequent waiver in February 2025, Hood-Schifino signed a one-year two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers on March 1, 2025. This two-way contract allows him to split time between the 76ers and their G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats.
The financial terms of this contract are more modest than his original rookie deal, but it provides him with an opportunity to continue his NBA career and potentially earn a standard NBA contract with strong performances.
Salary
For the 2024-25 NBA season, Hood-Schifino’s salary is $146,307 with the Philadelphia 76ers on his two-way contract. This represents a significant decrease from his previous salary with the Lakers, which was approximately $3.78 million for the 2024-25 season before he was traded and waived. Two-way contracts typically pay significantly less than standard NBA contracts, as players spend time in both the NBA and G League.
Prior to joining the 76ers, Hood-Schifino earned $3,695,040 during his rookie season (2023-24) with the Lakers as part of his original rookie scale contract. The dramatic reduction in salary highlights the financial uncertainty that can come with being a young player in the NBA, particularly one who has faced early career challenges including injuries and limited playing opportunities.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Los Angeles Lakers | $3,695,040 |
| 2024-25 | Los Angeles Lakers/Utah Jazz/Philadelphia 76ers | $4,021,384* |
| Total Career Earnings | $7,716,424 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Los Angeles Lakers | 21 | 0 | 5.2 | 1.6 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 22.2 | 13.3 | 60.0 |
| 2024-25 (LAL) | Los Angeles Lakers | 2 | 0 | 7.0 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 100.0 | 0.0 | 100.0 |
| 2024-25 (PHI) | Philadelphia 76ers | 11 | 0 | 19.4 | 7.7 | 1.5 | 2.3 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 43.3 | 32.4 | 84.2 |
FAQs
1. Who is Jalen Hood-Schifino?
Jalen Hood-Schifino is an American professional basketball player born on June 19, 2003, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He currently plays for the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-way contract with the Delaware Blue Coats. He was selected 17th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers after playing one season at Indiana University.
2. What is Jalen Hood-Schifino’s current NBA team?
Jalen Hood-Schifino currently plays for the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-way contract with their G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. He previously played for the Los Angeles Lakers from 2023 to 2025, including time with the South Bay Lakers during the 2023-2024 season.
3. What college did Jalen Hood-Schifino attend?
Jalen Hood-Schifino attended Indiana University for one season (2022-2023). During his freshman year, he started all 32 games, averaging 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team by media, Third Team by coaches, and was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
4. When was Jalen Hood-Schifino drafted into the NBA?
Jalen Hood-Schifino was selected with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. He was the Lakers’ highest draft pick since they selected Lonzo Ball at No. 2 in 2017.
5. What high school did Jalen Hood-Schifino attend?
Jalen Hood-Schifino played for three different high schools. He began at Northside Christian Academy in Charlotte, North Carolina, then played at Combine Academy in Lincolnton, North Carolina as a sophomore. He finished his high school career at Montverde Academy in Florida, where he won back-to-back GEICO High School Basketball National championships.
6. What are Jalen Hood-Schifino’s physical measurements?
Jalen Hood-Schifino stands 6’5″ (196 cm) tall and weighs 210 pounds (95 kg). His size gives him good versatility as a guard in the NBA, allowing him to play both point guard and shooting guard positions effectively.
7. What awards and achievements has Jalen Hood-Schifino received?
Jalen Hood-Schifino’s achievements include: Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2023), All-Big Ten Second Team (Media) and Third Team (Coaches), Big Ten All-Freshman Team, Kyle Macy National Freshman of the Year Finalist, USBWA All-District V selection, and back-to-back GEICO High School National championships with Montverde Academy.
8. What position does Jalen Hood-Schifino play?
Jalen Hood-Schifino plays both point guard and shooting guard positions. His versatility in the backcourt is enhanced by his 6’5″ frame, good court vision, excellent ball-handling skills, driving ability, and mid-range shooting capabilities. He can also guard multiple positions due to his size and athleticism.
9. What is Jalen Hood-Schifino’s background and family information?
Jalen Hood-Schifino was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but moved to Charlotte during middle school. He is the son of Glenn Hood and Adrianne Hood-Schifino. During pre-NBA development, he worked out with professionals including Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers and played AAU basketball for Team Thad.
10. What is Jalen Hood-Schifino’s performance in the NBA so far?
In his rookie season with the Lakers, Hood-Schifino appeared in 21 games, averaging 1.6 points in 5.2 minutes per game. He missed several games due to injuries. After joining the Philadelphia 76ers in 2025, his numbers improved to 9.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 22.1 minutes across 9 games.
