Though the Los Angeles Lakers have only been in training camp for two days, rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino has been among the early standouts on the court.
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham even went a step further and said Hood-Schifino was probably the MVP of the first day of training camp on Tuesday. He came in and made his presence felt in a practice with All-Stars and other veterans.
“He plays with a moxie and stability,” Ham said. “You can’t speed him up. You can’t slow him down. He is strong. He is a fierce competitor in a silent way. You’re not just gonna do whatever you want to do with him. He’s going to guard the hell out of the ball, guard off of the ball, try to rebound. He plays a powerful, powerful game at that position.”
Jalen Hood-Schifino is shining early in #Lakers training camp. 👀 pic.twitter.com/nwhfJsYn7H
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) October 5, 2023
Hood-Schifino debuted with the Lakers in summer league, averaging 13.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals in six games. He scored at least 15 points four times, including a summer league-high 20 points on July 5.
The 17th pick projects to provide the Lakers with depth at the point guard position behind D’Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent. But Ham said the 20-year-old has one area to address: Be more vocal.
I said: ‘Kid, you’re going to be a 15-year point guard in this league with the skill set you have and the way you’re going to get better with how young you are, (but) you gotta start screaming. Just scream when you’re in your house by yourself — just start yelling and screaming for no reason. You’re going to have to be the one to keep your teammates organized and they’re all going to have to understand what we’re doing out there with whatever possession it is.
Hood-Schifino spent much of the summer in L.A. working out with coaches and the training staff. That work has helped him become more confident, which is showing so far in training camp. Ultimately, that will help him get on the court this season.
After a strong showing to begin training camp, Hood-Schifino knows there is plenty of learning to do in the coming weeks. He is looking to keeping it going and is eager to continue to get better.
“Playing with older guys, I’m just trying to find that voice,” Hood-Schifino said. “I think off the court, I’m naturally a quiet guy but, obviously, on the court, you’ve gotta be vocal, especially at the point guard position. (I’m) definitely trying to find that and be more assertive. That comes with time. Obviously, I got to find my way and earn my way.”
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