The Case For Rodney Hood

What is Rodney Hood’s identity or talent on the floor?

Feb 25, 2014; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Rodney Hood (5) shoots over Virginia Tech Hokies forward Trevor Thompson (32) at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

As mentioned earlier, he’s a shooter. What will surprise people is, he can work off-the-dribble as well as through multiple screens.  Shooters are usually set up in a halfcourt set to create spacing for post players and dribble penetration.  Sometimes multiple screens are used to open them up for an open shot, like Rip Hamilton or Ray Allen.  What makes Hood different, is, the solid ability to run the pick-and-roll as a playmaker, as well as a shooter behind the screen.  His assist-to-turnover ratio is 1.2:1, which isn’t outstanding, but is a reflection of good feel for the game and basketball IQ.

Defensively, he needs a lot of work. Effort, focus, lateral movement, and position are all issues.  However, the physical tools are all there, and he’s certainly capable of being a good defender.  His hoop IQ, work ethic, and physical tools are too good to demonstrate otherwise.