It seems like the 76ers’ season keeps going from bad to worse. But every cloud has a silver lining, as they’ve just brought in youngster Jalen Hood-Schifino after the Lakers‘ blockbuster Luka Doncic swoop. Despite his injury problems, the young gun seems to be the real deal. He’s signed a two-way contract with the Sixers after being waived by the Jazz earlier in February, allowing him to play for the Delaware Blue Coats.

Jalen’s had the sporting craze drilled into his head since his childhood- with everyone, from his parents and siblings, to even his uncles- all repping different teams across different sports! And if you’re looking for a microscope into what their life stories have to offer, you’ve come to the right place.

Jalen Hood-Schifino’s parents played for which sports teams? A deep-dive into the Schifino family’s cross-sport presence

Jalen Hood Schifino’s childhood is split into growing up in Pittsburgh and Charlotte- and he is the son of Glenn Hood and Adrianne “Angel” Hood-Schifino. Papa Hood actually played football at a collegiate level, as a quarterback for Santa Monica College. He did give up a potential football career to make a living for Jalen and his dreams though- a decision that’s seemed to pay off so far. Not much is known about him, as he likes to stay away from the glamour of social media and live a quiet life with his wife.

Speaking of Glenn’s wife, Angel herself was a collegiate basketball player at Lock Haven University. You can just bet how much of an influence Mama Schifino has been on her son- and how even her experience made Jalen the success story he is today.

Because of pregnancy, Angel had to give up her basketball career at the age of 19. She has been a journeywoman- though not as a player but in her childhood. Due to her father’s military commitments, she was moved from her birthplace of Germany to many places worldwide, eventually settling in Pittsburgh, where she met her life partner.

As mentioned before, Jalen’s uncle was also cut from the same cloth as his parents. Uncle Drew (not the film) played college basketball for the West Virginia Mountaineers and the California Vulcans. But unlike the rest of the family, he pursued his lifelong dream of playing professional football.

Another uncle, Jake Schifino, was actually drafted in the 5th round of the 2002 NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans as a wide receiver and went on to play for the Houston Texans as well. You know about his success through the fact that he has his own Wikipedia page. Not bad, eh?

His two older cousins, Sherron and DeAndre Schifino- who Jalen regularly played basketball with in their grandpa’s backyard- also have the sporting DNA in them. DeAndre is a member of the University of Pittsburgh football team, while Sherron himself ended up playing college basketball. Seems like the Hood-Schifino family plan entails forming a cross-sport dynasty!

Which college did Jalen Hood-Schifino attend? Here’s how he broke the biggest records in a single year!

Jalen was a sensation coming into the college scene. A panel of Big Ten media named him the preseason freshman of the year, and he was then named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in his only season playing for the Indiana Hoosiers in 2023. In his 32 games, he averaged 13.5 PPG, 4.1 SPG, and 3.7 APG, blowing his stock through the roof for any lingering NBA teams looking for his signature.

That single season saw him set multiple university records as well. In their 84-83 loss to Northwestern Wildcats, he amassed a 33-point haul that made the highest point total by an Indiana freshman since Eric Gordon in 2007. In true JHS fashion, he trumped that record with a 35-point masterclass against the Purdue Boilermakers that set a freshman record.

Mike Woodson, Jalen’s coach at the Hoosiers, was super-ecstatic about his decision to go pro and enter the NBA draft. “I am extremely happy for Jalen to realize his goal of being an NBA player. He has worked extremely hard and has been a great representative of our program,” said Woodson, proudly highlighting his importance for the Hoosiers.

JHS’ childhood is exhibit A of the outcome of a supportive and caring childhood. When you’re surrounded by brimming sporting talent, it brings out your own potential and awareness. His motto of ‘failure is no option’ is down to the mentality set by his parents since day 1. And as his idol growing up had been Kobe Bryant, you bet that Black Mamba will be looking down on Jalen Hood-Schifino with nothing but pride.