Rising: Jalen Hood-Schifino (Indiana, PG/SG, Freshman)
Scouts were already growing more confident in Indiana guard Jalen Hood-Schifino before his 35-point game against Purdue on Saturday.
He might have done enough to earn consideration from lottery teams, though with Indiana expected to land top-five seed in the NCAA tournament, he should have more opportunities to strengthen his case even further.
Preseason questions about his athletic limitations are fading fast. With 6'6" size for a ball-handler, Hood-Schifino effectively uses hesitations and change of speed to gain steps on defenders and keep them in jail.
His pacing in pick-and-roll situations always stands out.
Hood-Schifino has command of the play in ball-screen situations, showing patience and recognition for when/where to pass or pull up.
That mid-range pull-up is his signature shot right now, with the freshman making 43.3 percent of his two-point jumpers and 41.7 percent of his off-the-dribble jumpers.
He effectively gets to his spots, squares his feet off the dribble and rises with stability and balance.
Though analytics might not approve of that shot selection, he excels at making those looks inside the arc, and it's an area on an NBA floor where he should continue to have the space to elevate into his dangerous shot.
Hood-Schifino takes only 3.4 threes per game, but a confident stroke (36.4 percent 3PT), 76.9 percent free-throw mark and the occasional outburst (six made threes vs. Ohio State, five vs. Northwestern and five vs. Iowa) point to an eventual three-level shot-making threat.
While his vertical pop for finishing isn't ideal and a 53.8 percent conversion rate at the rim isn't great, Hood-Schifino has pulled off some high-difficulty layups and adjustments.
It wouldn't be surprising if he shot better around the basket with more space in the NBA.
Scouts do worry about his turnovers, as he's prone to making careless passes.
His defense hasn't been the most convincing, either.
But scouts also sound willing to put more stock into his clever setups and physical tools.
Between his positional size, scoring craftiness and exciting flash, there will be plenty of first-round interest in Hood-Schifino, especially if he's able to propel Indiana on a postseason run.
Rising: Kobe Bufkin (Michigan, SG, Sophomore)Scouts have praised Kobe Bufkin's game and efficiency throughout the season, raising the idea that he could eventually be someone to take seriously.
That timeline has been moved up with his recent play, particularly with Jett Howard out of Michigan's lineup.
There is still a case for Bufkin to return to school next season and maximize his stock for a weaker 2024 draft.
But based on the versatility, improvement, impact and projected fit he's been showcasing lately, it wouldn't be surprising if NBA teams try to convince him to declare after his sophomore season.
Michigan may be on the NCAA tournament bubble, so failing to make the field of 68 could also factor into Bufkin's decision.
Assuming he continues to make strides as a shooter, scouts admire his on and off-ball skill set for a connector role at the least.
The eye test on his 1.2 made threes per game, 83.8 free-throw percentage and 47.4 percent mark on long twos has been more persuasive than his 34.7 three-point percentage on 3.5 attempts per game.
He adds secondary-playmaking value as well, demonstrating vision and smart reads on the move, plus quick recognition as a stationary ball-mover.
There have also been enticing flashes of scoring upside that point to a higher ceiling than a connector.
Shifty ball-handling, change of speed/direction, fakes and footwork get defenders leaning the wrong way.
It works well for getting downhill in ball-screen situations or separating into pull-ups/step-backs.
Finishing may be his most advantageous microskill right now, as he uses his body and both hands to create easier layup angles. Bufkin is shooting 72.0 percent around the basket on 107 attempts, grading in the 93rd percentile.
Despite lacking explosiveness, he's a highly effective attacker in ball-screen situations and transition.
Though his 6'4", 195-pound frame doesn't scream defensive potential, Bufkin has had some very encouraging sequences, creating turnovers with quick hands, efficiently navigating through screens and swatting 20 shots.
Bufkin checks a valued mix of boxes, both skill and intangible-wise, for NBA teams to deem him worth investing in, even if another season at Michigan would give him valuable experience as a lead guard and creator.
