If it is a sewer connection it should have an s-bend or some sort to
keep a water lock to prevent sewer gas from entering the basement.

The ones I have seen have a removable grate cover to prevent debris
from entering.

If it an old pot style drain it may be less than 12" deep but will have
a pipe entering the side near the bottom.

You can use it for draining anything in the area but code may require
an air gap.