Jeff Capel has made his biggest recruiting splash yet.
Five-star Class of 2022 guard Jalen Hood-Schifino has committed to Pitt, he posted on his Instagram page late Sunday night.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6rxJ9CJxGJ/
Hood-Schifino, a 6-foot-4, 185-pound guard, is a consensus five-star prospect playing for Combine Academy in Charlotte, N.C.
He’s a Pittsburgh native, originally from Penn Hills and comes from significant athletic bloodlines. He is the son of former Lock Haven women’s basketball player Angel Schifino, the nephew of former Penn Hills and West Virginia basketball player Drew Schifino and former Penn Hills, Akron and NFL wide receiver Jake Schifino and cousin of former Pitt tight end DeAndre Schifino.
Hood-Schifino also previously played for Northside Christian School, Team Charlotte on the AAU circuit and has represented USA Basketball internationally on the junior national team.
He’s rated as the No. 25 overall player in the 2022 class, the No. 5 shooting guard and No. 3 player in North Carolina by 247 Sports’ composite rating.
He committed to Pitt over offers from Boston College, Clemson, Florida, Ole Miss, USF, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and Wichita State.
Hood-Schifino took an unofficial visit to Pitt in June. Capel watched him play at the John Wall Holiday Tournament on Saturday.
He’s the first player committed to Pitt beyond the Class of 2020 and the highest-rated recruit for Pitt since national No. 5 Steven Adams in 2012.
5 star prospect and no blue-blood offers yet – Kansas, Kentucky, UNC will offer in time. I realize this isnt Pitt football and their history of losing kids late but until the LOI is signed, you never know.
The hometown hero angle really helps here.
Remember Terrell Pryor committed to Jamie Dixon during his sophomore year. There’s a lot of time between now and when he can officially become a member of the team. Jeff will have his hands full keeping this kid on board.
Surprised that he did not go to local powerhouse Duquesne. Does he know Pitt is afraid to play them?