Jeff Goodman Ranks the Top 30 Shooters in College Basketball Right Now

We did some research, consulted with coaches in every league, pored over the numbers – and even watched some tape. We know there are some guys that can lay claim to inclusion on the list, but here’s Stadium’s Top 30 Shooters in college basketball right now.

We’ve got a pair of teammates, a brother tandem, two guys from the SoCon who are both ranked in the top five and also a trio of freshmen.

In honor of the top shooter in the world, Steph Curry, and his jersey number, we are going to go 30 deep.

 

1) Fletcher Magee, 6-4, 195, G, Sr., Wofford

Has an active streak of 52 consecutive games with a made 3 and had 14 games with at least five trifectas last season. In his three years in college, has made 351-of-792 (44 percent) shots from deep, and 292-of-322 from the line (91 percent). Was 148-of-337 (44 percent) from beyond the arc his junior campaign and led the country in made 3s. There’s no one better. No one.

“He’s not just a great shooter. He’s in that mold of Reggie Miller where he doesn’t just stand in a spot and wait for someone to find him. He works relentlessly to get open. He’s tireless. He wears his opponents down constantly running off of screens. It doesn’t hurt that he can make 3s in all kinds of ways, leaning left or right, falling away, off one leg, off the shot fake, from 30 feet out. You name the shot he’s got it in his bag.” – Samford coach Scott Padgett

 

2) Markus Howard, 5-11, 175, G, Jr., Marquette

Led the nation in 3-point field goal percentage at 55 percent (82-of-150) as a freshman and followed it up with a strong sophomore season in which he made 111-of-275 (40 percent) shots from deep. Howard went 11-of-15 in a win over Chicago State, setting a school record for most 3s in a game. He has also made 161-of-175 (92 percent) career free throws in his two seasons with the Golden Eagles.

“Markus has deep range, explosiveness off the dribble and the strength to stop on a dime. He can get to any spot and has the shot necessary at each distance to be efficient.” – Villanova coach Jay Wright

 

3) Francis Alonso, 6-3, 185, G, Sr., UNC Greensboro

The native of Spain has made 298 of his 713 3-point attempts in his career, good for 42 percent. He’s also converted 277-of-319 (87 percent) free throws.

“Francis plays with impeccable balance, he’s a physical player that can play through contact. It would be unfair to consider him “just a shooter.” He can take the ball out of an action and make plays for others or square you up and beat you. He’s terrific.” – Wofford coach Mike Young

 

4) Mike Daum, 6-9, 235, F, Sr., South Dakota State

Arguably the best mid-major player in America, Daum is also one of the nation’s top shooters. He’s made 204-of-480 3s (.425 percent) in his three-year career, and is coming off a junior campaign in which he converted on 96-of-226 (.425 percent). He’s also made 590-of-693 (85 percent) free throws in his college career.

“Mike has proven to make big shots over his career. He consistently shoots over 40 percent from behind the arc, while opponents focus their defense on taking that shot away from him. Mike has tremendous confidence and you feel like he’s going to make every shot that he takes.” – South Dakota State coach T.J. Otzelberger

 

5) Corey Davis Jr., 6-1, 190, Sr., Houston

The former San Jacinto Junior College product wasted no time acclimating himself to the D-1 ranks, making 103 trifectas and shooting 43 percent from deep. He led the AAC with 2.9 3-pointers per game and was 26th nationally in 3-point field goal percentage.

“Corey Davis is tough. He has a quick release, but takes good shots and has great balance. In my opinion he is just as good on defense as he is a shooter.” – Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin

 

6) Bryce Brown, 6-3, 200, Sr., Auburn

The SEC’s most reliable long-range shooter, Brown has has made 241 3-pointers in his three-year career. He shot 40 percent as a sophomore and it dipped a bit last season to 38 percent.

“He is a three-year starter that has size, a quick release, athletic and is a fearless jump shooter.  He is in real good shape, so it’s hard to get him tired. He also plays with a dynamic point guard.” – South Carolina coach Frank Martin

 

7) Nate Laszewski, 6-10, 200, Fr., Notre Dame

Just might be the best freshman shooter in the country. Fared well on Notre Dame’s trip to the Bahamas, and should thrive in Mike Brey’s system. Made 132-of-327 shots (40 percent) from deep last season at Northfield Mount Hermon.

“We’ve been fortunate to have a lot of great shooters at NMH. Laurent Rivard holds all the 3-point records at Harvard, Aaron Falzon hit 63 3s as a freshman at Northwestern, Rick Pitino called Mike Marra the best high school shooter he’d ever seen, Spike Albrecht shot 40 percent from 3 for his career at Michigan, and last year Kellan Grady hit 73 3s and was the Atlantic-10 Rookie of the Year for Davidson. Nate Laszewski is the best shooter in NMH basketball history.” – Northfield Mount Hermon coach John Carroll

 

8) Jeremy Harris, 6-7, 175, Soph., Buffalo

Made 92-of-220 (42 percent) 3s from beyond the arc this past season, his first in the D-1 ranks, and shot 79 percent from the charity stripe for the Bulls. Spent two seasons at Gulf Coast State College in the junior college ranks before arriving at UB.

“He has a quick release and plays a position in our league, the 4, where he almost always has a mismatch. He has good size, he’s a lefty and he doesn’t only shoot 3s because he has the ability to beat you off the bounce as well. With all that said, it seems like he never misses a 3 when he is open.” – Kent State coach Rob Senderoff

 

9) Andre Wolford, 6-2, 175, G, Sr., Saint Francis (Pa.)

Was second in the country last season in 3-point percentage when he made 97-of-196 (50 percent) from deep. That came after a junior campaign in which he was 26-of-66 (39 percent). Wolford also made 61-of-72 (85 percent) free throws his junior season.

“Like all great shooters, Andre works at it and he is very coachable. Andre is tough to stop because he’s developed into more than a shooter and is a great athlete.” – Saint Francis coach Rob Krimmel

 

10) Jordan Dartis, 6-3, 185, G, Sr., Ohio

Has been incredibly consistent over a three-year span, shooting 48 percent from 3 as a freshman, 44 percent as a sophomore and 42 percent this past season. In three years, he’s 231-of-519 (.445 percent) from long range. He’s also money from the line, making 177-of-203 (87 percent) in his career.  

“Jordan has terrific range, great lift and a very soft touch. However, what makes Jordan truly special is his quick release. He catches on balance and it’s out of his hands in a snap. There is no wasted motion in his shot and it makes him extremely effective to 25 feet even with defenders in the area.” – Ohio coach Saul Phillips

 

11) Devin Cannady, 6-1, 185, G, Sr., Princeton

He’s been one of the best shooters in college hoops over the past three years, making 218-of-526 from 3 and also 232-of-257 (90 percent) from the line. Last year was actually a down one, and he still shot 39 percent from deep and 88 percent from the charity stripe.

“Devin loves to compete and he especially enjoys the little things you have to do to be a great shooter: the extra work, the repetitions, being in great shape. He is a great shooter and he gets better because he works so hard at it.” – Princeton coach Mitch Henderson

 

12) Sam Hauser, 6-7, 225, Jr., Marquette

It was hard to put two guys from one team on the list, but Hauser might actually be a better pure shooter than Howard. He’s made 158-of-334 (47 percent) from 3 in his two seasons with the Golden Eagles and is also shooting 83 percent from the line. He’s got size and can really drill it.

“Sam is one of the most efficient offensive players in the country because he combines picture perfect form with a deft shooting touch and intelligent shot selection.” – Marquette coach Steve Wojciechowski

 

13) James “Beetle” Bolden, 6-0, 170, Jr., West Virginia

Talk to coaches in the Big 12, and most will say that Beetle scares them more than anyone else in terms of shooting it from distance. He didn’t play much as a freshman, but still shot 45 percent from 3, and connected on 69-of-168 (41 percent) a year ago.

“He has a quick release with good range while shooting over 40 percent from 3. Defenders have to play him honest and make him take contested jump shots without fouling him. You can’t give him free points cause he makes free throws at an 80 percent rate.” – Baylor coach Scott Drew

 

14) Kyle Guy, 6-3, 170, Jr., Virginia

Fell off after an insane freshman campaign in which he made nearly 50 percent of his 3s, but is still the ACC’s top sniper after making 83-of-212 (39 percent) a year ago for the Cavaliers.

“Kyle has natural eye hand coordination with quick footwork and a quick release. Also, he has the ability to square his body in the air and still make shots. But his confidence in his stroke to keep shooting, even if he’s off, sets him apart. Kyle knows he’s the next shot away from a hot streak.” Virginia coach Tony Bennett

 

15) Cassius Winston, 6-0, 185, Jr., Michigan State

Was a more-than-respectable 38 percent as a freshman, and then lit it up last season, making 75-of-151 (50 percent) from long distance while also shooting 90 percent from the line.

“He’s worked at his craft and made himself a more formidable perimeter threat, and the credit goes to him for investing in making himself better.” – Wisconsin coach Greg Gard

 

16) Cole Swider, 6-9, 210, Fr., Villanova

Made 129 3s last year at St. Andrew’s (R.I.) in 32 games, and sank 458 shots from deep in his high school career. Shot 48 percent from deep in his career.

“Cole is the best shooter we’ve had in the history of our program. He’s a shooter and can put the ball on the floor to create his own shot at 6-foot-9. I used to call the defense when he’d start his shooting motion.” – St. Andrew’s coach Mike Hart

 

17) Matej Kavas, 6-8, 200, RS Jr., Seattle

The native of Slovenia has been the WAC’s top shooter the last couple of years, going a combined 133-of-300, including shooting 46 percent a year ago from 3-point range. He made four or more 3s on 12 different occasions last year.

“Kavas has great size with little wasted motion in his shot and he shoots it consistently with NBA range.” – UMKC coach Kareem Richardson

 

18) Jordan Bohannon, 6-0, 180, G, Jr., Iowa

Shot 43 percent (96-of-223) from deep and 90 percent (75-of-83) as a sophomore and also had a stretch where he sank 34 consecutive free throws during the season. In two seasons with the Hawkeyes, he’s made 185-of-437 shots (42 percent) from long range.

“He has textbook form and a very quick release along with deep range.” – Iowa coach Fran McCaffery

 

19) Carsen Edwards, 6-1, 200, Jr., Purdue

Shot 51 percent from the field, 41 percent from 3 and 83 percent from the line last season, and did it while taking a bunch of tough shots.

“He has the rare combination of speed, range and quick release that allows him to get a shot off in almost any situation. I look for him to improve his percentages this year from all of his hard work in the offseason.” – Purdue coach Matt Painter

 

20) Devin Mitchell, 6-4, 180, Sr., Georgia State

Transferred to Georgia State after one season at Alabama and has earned a spot on the list after shooting 45 percent (98-of-219) from deep a year ago.

“Great shooters make shots when guarded. Devin makes shots when there is great defense. Not many in the country can make contested shots like Devin does.” – Georgia State coach Ron Hunter

 

21) Justinian Jessup, 6-6, 200, Jr., Boise State

Sank 90 3s last season and shot 45.7 percent (90-of-197) from deep a year ago for Leon Rice and the Broncos. Rice says he’s only going to get better this year.

“He is an elite shooter off screens with his quick release, and he also doesn’t require much space with his size and high shooting pocket.” – Boise State coach Leon Rice

 

22) Carl Pierre, 6-4, 185, Soph., UMass

Usually, freshmen struggle – even really good shooters. However, Pierre shot a sizzling 47 percent from beyond the arc as a frosh with the Minutemen and narrowly edged his teammate, Luwane Pipkins, to make the list.

“To shoot 47 percent as a freshman from 3 is remarkable. Not only does he have a quick release and is great at moving without the ball, but he shoots it with such a high level of confidence.” – UMass coach Matt McCall

 

23) Sam Merrill, 6-5, 210, G, Jr., Utah State

Was seventh in the country in 3-point percentage last season (46.4 percent) after making 98-of-211. He also made 46-of-102 (45 percent) as a freshman. Merrill made 109-of-127 from the charity stripe in his two seasons.

“He’s a very good shooter of the catch or dribble, and is very crafty at creating space. He doesn’t need a lot of space to get his shot off.” – Air Force coach Dave Pilipovich

 

24) Clayton Custer, 6-1, 185, Sr., Loyola Chicago

He made 42 percent of his attempts (58-of-138) as a sophomore, and then fared even better last season, drilling 45 percent (60-of-133) from long distance.

“Clay has all the intangibles that a coach would say to consider him an elite shooter. He absolutely puts in the time, but what separates him is how much his reps are game speed! He then possesses that confidence factor to take big shots in big moments.” – Loyola Chicago coach Porter Moser

 

25 and 26) Ernie Duncan, 6-3, G, Sr. and Everett Duncan, 6-6, 190, Jr., Vermont

Ernie shot 44 percent from deep as a sophomore and 40 percent each of the last two years. He’s made 229 in his career thus far while his younger brother, Everett, set the school single-season record for 3-point percentage (47.2).

“They are both fundamentally sound, always on balance, and have great shot selection. Everett is bigger and more a spot up shooter while Ernie shoots it better off the bounce and has more variety to his game.” – Vermont coach John Becker

 

27) Lance Tejada, 6-2, 190, Sr., Lehigh

Spent two years at East Carolina before transferring to Lehigh, where he made 77-of-170 from deep (45 percent) and led the Patriot League in three-point percentage last season.

“LT shot 44 percent, averaging almost three 3-pointers made per game. He’s got solid range beyond the line and has a high release to help in tight spaces.” – Lehigh coach Brett Reed

 

28) Tyler Hall, 6-4, 175, Sr., Montana State

The talented guard had an off-year, and still shot 37 percent from deep. In his first two seasons with the Bobcats, he made 216-of-503 (43 percent), and he commands most of the attention for Brian Fish’s team.

“Tyler gets his shot off very quickly from a high release point backed by the belief that every shot is going in.” – Montana State coach Brian Fish

 

29) Charles Williams, 6-6, 185, Jr., Howard

Shot 41 percent last season (74-of-181) and rarely gets open shots. “Every time he shoots it, looks like it’s going in – and more importantly, most of the time it does. What makes him so hard to guard is he shoots the 3 with ease while also possessing a deadly mid-range game that separates him from most shooters.” – Howard coach Kevin Nickelberry

 

30) Noah Locke, 6-3, 205, G, Fr., Florida

Picturesque release and a guy who shot nearly 50 percent on the AAU circuit in the summer. Should be the Gators’ best shooter this season and one of the best in the SEC.

“Noah is one of the hardest-working kids I’ve ever seen. He spends countless hours in the gym working on his craft. He has some superior touch, but his strength is his work ethic and that’s why he has shot the ball so well. He shoots the ball the same way every time, he gets great lift especially in the mid-range area. And also a great quick release for set shots.” – McDonogh School coach Gerry Abrams