Boys’ College Basketball: A Look at Top Three-Point Shooters
Winning in boys’ college basketball is rarely straightforward, but the increased emphasis on three-point shooting is hard to overlook these days. Take, for example, the Florida Gators last season, who had a significant three-point shooting percentage, attempting 43% of their shots from beyond the arc.
Compiling a list of the top shooters in boys’ college basketball proves to be trickier than similar tasks we’ve seen in the NBA, but it’s definitely a fun exercise. It’s likely that when we revisit this in a year, a few notable names will be glaringly absent.
On this list, a guideline was set to include only one player from each team. If it had been up to me, I would have included UConn’s freshman Braylon Mullins, Louisville’s Isaac McNally, and Purdue’s Fletcher Royer. As we look forward to the upcoming season, the best shooting performances across college hoops are already generating buzz.
Abdi Bashir Jr., F, Kansas
Bashir stands out as a player who blended volume with accuracy last season. As a sophomore at Monmouth, he attempted an impressive 18 threes for every 100 possessions, boasting a shooting percentage of 38.3%. Averaging over ten three-pointers in just 33 minutes per game is nothing to scoff at. Now at Kansas for his junior season, it’ll be interesting to see how his skills translate in the tough Big 12 conference.
Emmanuel Sharp, G, Houston
Sharp has become essential to Houston’s lineup and is a much-discussed contender for this year’s national championship. As a junior, he shot an impressive 40.7% from three-point range, taking about 13.6 shots per 100 possessions. Regarded as one of the top “3 and D” players, he’s looking to expand his role this season alongside Milos Uzan.
Ryan Conwell, G, Louisville
Conwell’s journey has taken him from South Florida to Indiana, and now he’s at Louisville for his senior year. The 6’4″ guard has shot 40.9% from beyond the arc, showcasing a steady hand with 508 attempts over the past two seasons. He’ll be part of Louisville’s explosive perimeter game, teaming up with sharpshooters Isaac McKneely and Mikel Brown.
Solo Ball, G, UConn
Last season, Solo Ball made quite an impact with 99 three-pointers, hitting at a 41.4% rate amid a challenging season for UConn. If the Huskies bounce back, it’s likely driven by aggressive gameplay and more shooting options. With Braylon Marines and Georgia transfer Silas Demarie joining the team, Ball’s shooting ability paired with complementary players should create a dynamic offense.
Lamar Wilkerson, G, Indiana
Wilkerson might just be labeled the best returning shooter after nailing three three-pointers at a remarkable 44.5% during his last season at Sam Houston State. Transitioning to Indiana in the Big Ten will present fresh challenges, yet his shooting form suggests he’ll thrive. Plus, he made headlines by giving back to his previous school during his transfer, which adds a nice personal touch to his story.
John Mobley Jr., G, Ohio
Mobley Jr. shows lots of promise, reminiscent of Steph Curry. As a freshman, he impressed with his ability to create shots from deep, though it’s unfortunate that he won’t be handling the ball this year due to Bruce Thornton’s return. However, it feels like Mobley is just waiting for his chance to shine as he grows into his role.
Milan Momcilovic, F, Iowa
Momcilovic is a top-tier stretch player in his sophomore year. Despite dealing with hand injuries, he managed to shoot 39.6% on about 12 attempts per 100 possessions. He has great catch-and-shoot ability and, while not much of a ball-handler, presents a significant threat with his size.
Hausen, F, Iowa
Playing at both Villanova and Kansas, Hausen has shown he can shoot, hitting 39.1% in his first three seasons. Now back in Iowa as a starter, his quick release and position play will be critical in head coach Ben McCollum’s strategy.
Sanders, G, BYU
Sanders was pivotal in BYU’s successful offense last season, shooting 43.2% from deep on 10.4 attempts per 100 possessions. With his skills now under more scrutiny alongside freshman AJ Dybantsa, he’ll likely be a key player as the Cougars aim for another successful NCAA run.
Huff, G, West Virginia
Huff dazzled many last year with 131 three-pointers as part of Chattanooga’s squad. Now transferring to West Virginia for his senior season, his shooting could light up the court if he maintains his high level of performance, having hit 41.6% on his threes last season.
Other notable players include Malik Thomas of Virginia, Quimari Peterson from Washington, Jackson Shellstud of Oregon, Isaac McKneely at Louisville, Braylon Mullins from UConn, and Fletcher Royer of Purdue, all of whom contribute to the depth of talent in college basketball.
