Raptors draft: 3 Big Ten players to select in 2023 NBA Draft
By Mike Luciano
2. Jalen Hood-Schifino, PG, Indiana
A 6-5 point guard who comes from the same program that gave Toronto OG Anunoby doesn’t sound like the worst idea in the world, especially when Hood-Schifino’s stock has risen to the point where it will be hard to imagine him sliding out of the top 20 picks.
His averages of 13.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game show that he is already equipped to contribute on both ends of the floor in the NBA. With advanced passing skills that belie his numbers and a history of stepping up in big games, JHS seems like a nice Fred VanVleet understudy.
Jalen Hood-Schifino will play right away for the Toronto Raptors.
You have to be a slightly substandard athlete to not be a Top 10 lock with that resume, and that is what is weighing heavily on Hood-Schifino’s stock right now. The fact that he made just under 42% of his shots from the field also shows some iffy shot selection and efficiency,
Still, his defensive prowess is excellent, so much so that a Toronto front office that is always going to put an emphasis on rangy defenders might be willing to give him the privilege of being selected No. 13 overall. If the jumpers start falling, Toronto will have a steal.