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Endia Berger | krikya18.com | September 18, 2024

The 16 best 3-point shooters in men's college basketball this season, ranked by Andy Katz

7 men's basketball programs who won big from the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline

With the 2024-25 men's college basketball season on the horizon Andy Katz shared his picks for the top three-point shooters this season.

1. Koby Brea, Kentucky

At 6'7, guard Koby Brea will bring his size and elite shooting to Kentucky, where he’ll make his much-anticipated debut this season.

A transfer from Dayton, Brea is one of the nation’s top three-point threats, having shot 49.8% from beyond the arc last season. The two-time Atlantic 10 Sixth Man of the Year averaged 3 made threes per game, playing a pivotal role in the Flyers’ 25-8 record and NCAA Tournament appearance. Brea’s sharpshooting is set to make an immediate impact for the Wildcats.

2. Mark Sears, Alabama

Senior guard Mark Sears was lights-out from deep last season, shooting 43.6% from three and sinking 95 triples, ranking No. 6 in most made threes in a single season in Alabama history.

A key player of the Crimson Tide’s offense, Sears averaged 21.5 points per game and contributed 797 points, setting a new program record for most points in a season. His scoring ability and perimeter shooting make him a top player to watch out for.

3. Payton Sandfort, Iowa

At 6'8, forward Payton Sandfort isn’t just a big man—he’s a big-time shooter. Sandfort shot 37.9% from the three-point line last season, starting all 34 games for Iowa while leading the team in scoring with 16.4 points per game. His 94 made threes set a record for the most by a junior in Iowa history and ranked third all-time for a single season.

Sandfort also etched his name in the books by recording Iowa’s first-ever triple-double in history.  With his versatile skill set, Sandfort is poised to have a dominant senior season.

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4. Kam Jones, Marquette

Named to the BIG EAST All-Tournament Team, guard Kam Jones was a sharpshooter last season, hitting 40.6% from three. An efficient and dynamic scorer, he averaged 17.2 points per game, becoming a critical offensive engine for Marquette.

His return for his senior year is eagerly awaited, especially after his pivotal role in the Golden Eagles' deep March Madness run.

5. RJ Davis, UNC

Fifth-year guard RJ Davis has become a household name, earning the Jerry West Award last season as the nation’s top shooting guard. A standout for UNC, Davis showed off his 39.8% shooting mark from deep and an impressive 21.2 points per game.

His performance earned him the ACC Player of the Year title and was crucial in securing the Tar Heels a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. An essential part of UNC’s offense, Davis was named the team’s Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year.

6. L.J. Cryer, Houston

Houston guard L.J. Cryer fired up the court last season, hitting 38.8% from the perimeter. He started all 37 games for the Cougars, leading the team with an average of 15.5 points per game and finishing as the Big 12's top three-point shooter with 3.0 triples per game.

Cryer’s offensive talent earned him a well-deserved spot on the 2023-24 Big 12 All-Tournament Team, showcasing his vital role in Houston’s success.

7. Johnell Davis, Arkansas 

Johnell Davis, the former Florida Atlantic standout, has committed to Arkansas for the upcoming season. At Florida Atlantic, Davis was electrifying, earning 2024 NABC All-District First Team, AAC Co-Player of the Year and All-AAC First Team. Last season, he starred with a 41.4% shooting percentage from behind the line and an average of 18.2 points per game.

As he gears up for his debut with the Razorbacks, expectations are high for Davis to impact Arkansas' offense significantly.

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8. Trevin Knell, BYU

Guard Trevin Knell shoots 38.5% from three. He is a key role player for BYU, averaging 10.6 points per game.

Knell had some standout games last season, including his nine 3-pointers against the Bearcats, which tied him with the most 3-pointers made in the Marriott Center and the second-most in a single game in BYU's history. Knell is someone to be on the lookout for this season.

9. Matthew Murrell, Ole Miss 

Ole Miss guard Matthew Murrell was impressive last season with a 39.8% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. As a senior standout, he ranks fifth in Rebel history in career 3-pointers with 218, including 78 made just last season.

Murrell not only led the Rebels in scoring with 16.2 points per game but also topped the team in steals with 50 last year. His all-around game makes him a key asset as he returns to lead Ole Miss this season.

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10. Walter Clayton Jr., Florida

With 36.5% shooting from three, Walter Clayton Jr. is dynamic on the court. The talented senior guard has earned quite the resume as he was named to the 2024 All-SEC Tournament Team, 2023 MAAC Player of the Year and a spot on the 2023 First-Team All-MAAC.

Bringing his experience, Clayton showed out as he led his team with an impressive 17.6 points per game, the highest scoring average by a Gator in 20 years. His performance last season was instrumental in earning the Gators their first championship game appearance in a decade.

11. Nijel Pack, Miami

With a 35.7% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc and an average of 13.3 points per game, Nijel Pack is an offensive force. Last season, he led Miami in assists and played a crucial role in driving their offense.

As he returns to the Hurricanes this season, Pack brings experience and skill to elevate Miami’s game and continue his impact on the court.

12. Caleb Love, Arizona

Guard Caleb Love played a significant role last season with 33.2% shooting from three-point range, leading Arizona with 18 points per game. His performance earned him First Team All-American honors, Pac-12 Player of the Year and a prestigious spot as the 34th Arizona Basketball Ring of Honor member.

Love’s shooting is legendary in program history, making him just the sixth Wildcat to hit 90 or more triples in a season. He sunk at least one three-pointer in 33 of 36 games and in four of those games, he knocked down five threes.

13. Zeke Mayo, Kansas

Transfer guard Zeke Mayo from South Dakota State is set to make his debut with Kansas this season. Last year, Mayo had a 39.1% shooting percentage from three-point range and averaged 18.8 points per game for the Jackrabbits. His impressive resume includes 2024 NABC All-District 12 First Team, Summit League Player of the Year, Summit League Tournament All-Tournament Team and All-Summit League First Team. Mayo is expected to bring his scoring and experience to the Jayhawks, adding a new dimension to their game.

14. Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State

Guard Josh Hubbard made waves as a freshman, shooting 35.5% from three-point range and averaging 17.1 points per game. His standout performance earned him a spot on the All-SEC Second Team, alongside Erick Dampier, as the only Mississippi State freshman to achieve this honor.

Additionally, Hubbard became the first true freshman to claim the Bailey Howell Trophy and set a new scoring record for Mississippi State freshman with 598 points in his rookie season. As he gears up for his sophomore season, Josh Hubbard is a player to keep a close eye on.

15. Wooga Poplar, Villanova

Senior guard Wooga Poplar, a transfer from Miami, has committed to Villanova for this season. Known for his long-range skills, Poplar hit 38.5% from beyond the arc and averaged 13.1 points per game last season with the Hurricanes.

With his scoring ability and perimeter shooting, Poplar is poised to make an impact at Villanova, bringing experience and scoring to their lineup.

16. Dominick Harris, UCLA

Graduate transfer Dominick Harris joins the Bruins from Loyola Marymount, bringing a lethal three-point shooting game with him. Last season, Harris led the West Coast Conference with a standout 44.8% shooting from beyond the arc, averaging 2.7 made 3-pointers per game.

As the top scorer for Loyola Marymount, he put up 14.3 points per game. This season, Harris is set to be a key offensive weapon for the Bruins.

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