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Big Ten Basketball: Top 10 impact freshmen of 2022-23 season

By Tommy McGowan

Jan 15, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Dug McDaniel (0) dribbles in the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Dug McDaniel (0) dribbles in the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Big Ten Basketball Indiana Hoosiers guard Jalen Hood-Schifino Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Jayen Epps, Illinois

Stats: 25.7 MPG, 9.8 PPG, 1.6 APG, 43% FG

Coming into the season, Skyy Clark was expected to be the star freshman on an Illinois team with serious Big Ten Title aspirations. Instead, Clark is no longer with the program, and Jayden Epps has stepped into an important role, helping run the Illini offense. Although undersized at 6’2″,  Epps has a crafty offensive game and has proven he can score in a variety of ways. He’s been particularly effective as of late, topping double-digit points in four of the Illini’s last five contests as the team has crawled back into Top 25 consideration.

5. Jalen Hood-Schifino, Indiana

Stats: 31.1 MPG, 12.3 PPG, 4.3 APG, 42% 3-point

Despite battling through injuries in the first half of the season, Jalen Hood-Schifino has been an electric addition to the Indiana offense. The explosive wing is second on the team in points, only behind Trayce Jackson-Davis, and has proven he can contribute as a passer. The streakiness can be frustrating, but on nights when he’s on, there aren’t many freshmen better nationally than Hood-Schifino. Simply go back and watch the tape in Indiana’s early January loss to Northwestern, when he dropped 33 points on 12-17 shooting.

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