Indiana basketball guard Jalen Hood-Schifino No. 8 in ‘long-term projection’ NBA draft big board

Indiana basketball guard Jalen Hood-Schifino has been one of the steady risers since the 2023 NBA Draft process got started back in April which has led him to see his name jump up in the mock boards.

Due to his rise in the NBA Draft big boards, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native was one of the few selected to be invited to the NBA Draft green room, a prestigious honor that few prospects get to achieve.

In one of the latest 2023 NBA big boards, CBS Sports Senior Writer Matt Norlander projected Jalen Hood-Schifino to be selected No. 8 by the Washington Wizards with the twist in this one being based on ‘long-term projection.’

“Good guard with good size who’s not afraid of the big moment and was one of the best Robins in college hoops last season (Trayce Jackson-Davis being the Batman at Indiana),” said CBS Sports Senior Writer Matt Notlander. “Succeeding as a point guard at the NBA level means understanding ball-screen reads and making the right decisions; Hood-Schifino was one of the best in the Big Ten last season. I love his touch, love his feel for the big moment. There are times he plays like a veteran, yet he’s 19. Will get knocked for not having a fifth gear, but give him time to grow and he can be a steady hand running an offense. He’s not reliable yet from long distance, and that will have to change to validate having him as high as eighth 10-plus years down the road.”

In his lone season at Indiana, Jalen Hood-Schifino proved to be one of the top freshman in the country this past year averaging 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 32 total games. He was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year this season as well as All-Big Ten Second-Team.

He was the first Indiana basketball player since Eric Gordon to have multiple 30+ point games in his freshman season.

When senior guard Xavier Johnson went down with a lower leg injury midway last season, Hood-Schifino was promoted to Indiana basketball’s primary ballhandler, which led him to become more noticed when it came to NBA potential.

“I’ve always put the work in and when Xavier (Johnson) went down, the coaches gave me the keys. And I will never shy away from the bright lights or the moment,” Hood-Schifino told Andy Katz at the Combine. “As you see, when the ball is put in my hands great things happen and it allowed me to take off and have a successful season and be a potential lottery pick and first round pick.”

The 2023 NBA Draft is on June 22 in New York.

SEE ALSO: Indiana Basketball Newcomer Focus: Senior forward Anthony Walker

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