8. Jalen Hood-Schifino, Indiana
Jalen Hood-Schifino is somewhat of a late riser and an unexpected one as well. But he absolutely will be taken at some point in the first round or early second round of the 2023 NBA Draft. He’s another one of these new-era big point guards (listed at 6-foot-6) that have a natural ability to create opportunities on the offensive end of the floor for their teammates. Hood-Schifino completed his freshman season at Indiana by averaging 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists on 42 percent shooting from the field.
Despite his overall ability to be a good and well-rounded point guard at the next level, there are certainly concerns. He only shot 33 percent from 3-point range this past season and at times was viewed as a player that would shy away from being overly aggressive on the offensive end of the floor.
But his big frame and natural skills on the defensive end of the floor open the door for him to be good enough, at the very least, on that end of the floor. If I was a team drafted late in the first, my biggest concern about taking Hood-Schifino is a possible low ceiling.