Indiana Basketball in the NBA: December Update

Indiana Basketball has a long history of developing NBA players who get drafted and thrive at the next level. Some of the all-time greats include Isiah Thomas, Walt Bellamy, and George McGinnis. 

The Indiana Hoosiers currently have seven active players on NBA rosters. Every month, we will update you on how former Hoosiers are doing in the Association. Here is our December update:

OG Anunoby, SF

New York Knicks (2023-present)

Indiana Hoosiers (2015-2017)

On Saturday, December 30, OG Anunoby was traded from the Toronto Raptors to the New York Knicks. There have been ongoing trade talks regarding Anunoby, as he did not plan on signing a contract extension with the Raptors. With that in mind, Toronto finally dealt the former Hoosier. The Raptors sent Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn in exchange for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a second-round pick. Anunoby brings a much-needed defensive presence to New York and will look to complement Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson on offense. He is expected to debut on New Year's Day against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Before the trade, Anunoby averaged 15.3 points per game on over 50% from the field in December. He scored a season-high on December 11 against his now-current team, New York, amassing 29 points and nailing five threes. 

OG Anunoby December stats (12 games): 

15.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.3 apg, 50.7% FG, 31.9% 3PT, 94.1% FT, 34.8 mpg

Click here to see OG Anunoby’s full-season stats.

Trayce Jackson-Davis, F (Rookie)

Golden State Warriors (2023-present)

Indiana Hoosiers (2019-2023)

As the second to last pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, it is becoming evident that Trayce Jackson-Davis was an absolute steal for the Warriors. In Golden State’s first six games in December, the rookie only received 12 total minutes. However, Draymond Green’s indefinite suspension, Andrew Wiggins’ injury, and Kevon Looney’s struggles opened up an opportunity. Jackson-Davis received 18 minutes on December 17 in Portland and made the most of it. He finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, and after the game, coach Steve Kerr announced that Trayce would be in the starting lineup moving forward. In the Warriors final seven games of December, Jackson-Davis averaged 11.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 68.5% from the field in almost 23 minutes per game. On December 30, he received his first NBA start and racked up 17 points to go along with 6 rebounds on 8-11 shooting. Whether he continues to start or come off the bench, Jackson-Davis has solidified himself in the Warriors’ rotation and caused other teams to regret not drafting him.  

Trayce Jackson-Davis December stats (9 games): 

9.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.6 apg, 67.2% FG, 0.0% 3PT, 61.5% FT, 18.9 mpg

Click here to see Trayce Jackson-Davis’ full-season stats.

Eric Gordon, SG

Phoenix Suns (2023-present)

Indiana Hoosiers (2007-2008)

Due to multiple injuries to star Bradley Beal, Eric Gordon has been in and out of the starting lineup for the Phoenix Suns. He started in six of the eleven games he appeared in during December. Whether a starter or reserve, Gordon has received heavy playing time in logging at least 30 minutes per game in almost every appearance during the month. His scoring decreased slightly from October and November, averaging 11.8 points per game on 46.6% from the field in December. His best game came on December 27 against Houston, scoring 27 points and connecting on seven three-pointers. Gordon did pick up a lower leg injury in mid-December but was only forced to miss two games. The 16-year veteran will remain a crucial bench piece for Phoenix as their big three, Durant, Booker, and Beal, are finally healthy. 

Eric Gordon December stats (11 games): 

11.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.9 apg, 46.6% FG, 41.8% 3PT, 85.7% FT, 32.7 mpg

Click here to see Eric Gordon’s full-season stats.

Thomas Bryant, C

Miami Heat (2023-present)

Indiana Hoosiers (2015-2017)

Thomas Bryant has continued to receive minimal minutes for the Heat. Miami had 13 games in December, but the former Hoosier appeared in just five despite being completely healthy. He received an average of 11 minutes in these five contests, averaging 6.2 points and 4.0 rebounds. Bryant was just shy of a double-double in the Heat’s win against the Hornets on December 13, racking up 11 points and nine rebounds in 16 minutes. The big man has not appeared in a game since December 20, and he will most likely continue to remain on the bench unless an injury to Miami’s frontcourt occurs. 

Thomas Bryant December stats (5 games): 

6.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 0.6 apg, 72.2% FG, 0.0% 3PT, 100.0% FT, 11.0 mpg

Click here to see Thomas Bryant’s full-season stats.

Cody Zeller, C 

New Orleans Pelicans (2023-present)

Indiana Hoosiers (2011-2013)

Cody Zeller has not appeared in a game for the Pelicans since December 19. To begin the month, the former Hoosier appeared in seven games and received a modest 11 minutes per contest. He scored a mere average of 2.8 points in these games and grabbed just 2.9 rebounds. Zeller struggled from the field (shooting 36.4%) but did manage to go 8/8 from the free throw line in these seven games. The former 4th overall pick was ruled out on both December 21 and December 23 due to a right ankle sprain. Despite being cleared to play on December 26, he did not appear in the Pelicans final three games of December. This was partly due to the return of forward Larry Nance Jr., who had not played since November 27. Zeller will continue to receive limited minutes off the bench for New Orleans, barring an injury to one of their bigs. 

Cody Zeller December stats (7 games): 

2.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.1 apg, 36.4% FG, 0.0% 3PT, 100.0% FT, 9.9 mpg

Click here to see Cody Zeller’s full-season stats.

Jalen Hood-Schifino, G (Rookie)

Los Angeles Lakers (2023-present)

Indiana Hoosiers (2022-2023)

Jalen Hood-Schifino has received little court time for the Los Angeles Lakers. In the month of December, the 17th overall pick played in only four of the Lakers’ 14 games. In these four appearances, he played in just six minutes per contest and scored an average of 1.3 points. This lack of playing time was partly due to Jalen being ruled out for six games in mid-December due to back spasms. On December 5, Jalen Hood-Schifino was sent to the G League to practice with the South Bay Lakers but returned to the NBA club the following morning. He has yet to appear in an actual game for South Bay, but he could make his G-league debut soon as Coach Darvin Ham is having difficulty finding him minutes on the main squad.  

Jalen Hood-Schifino December stats (4 games): 

1.3 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.5 apg, 18.2% FG, 0.0% 3PT, 50.0% FT, 5.8 mpg

Click here to see Jalen Hood-Schifino’s full-season stats.

Victor Oladipo, SG

Houston Rockets (2023-present)

Indiana Hoosiers (2010-2013)

Victor Oladipo has remained sidelined as he recovers from surgery to repair a patellar tendon tear in his left knee. He will remain out indefinitely with no current timetable for a return. Continue to keep an eye on Oladipo in the trade market as the season progresses and the trade deadline approaches. 

Victor Oladipo December stats (0 games): 

N/A