2023-2024 Men’s College Basketball: Meet the Top 5 Three-Point Shooters
Three-point shots are game-changers in basketball. These long-range baskets aren’t just about adding extra points; they’re about strategy, skill, and turning the tide of a game. In 2023-2024’s Men’s College Basketball, we’ve seen remarkable talents who have mastered shooting from a distance, making three-pointers a crucial part of winning strategies.
Below, we spotlight the top five players who have excelled at three-point shooting, showcasing their impressive skills and how important these shots are in today’s college basketball.
Koby Brea – University of Dayton Athletics
Koby Brea, playing for the Dayton Flyers, has been a standout this season, especially in three-point shooting. His impressive 48.7% success rate from beyond the arc is among the best. But Brea is more than just a three-point shooter. He averages 11 points per game and contributes well with 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
Brea’s ability to consistently make three-pointers is a big reason he’s so valuable to his team, resulting in favorable FanDuel college basketball odds. A great example of his skill was in a game against George Washington, where he hit 5 out of 9 three-point shots. Coach Chris Caputo from George Washington praised Brea’s shooting, noting how clean and consistent his shots were, whether moving or standing still.
But what makes Brea stand out is not just his scoring. He understands the game well and finds the right spots to shoot from. He’s also improving other parts of his game, like passing and defense.
Mark Sears – Alabama Crimson Tide
Mark Sears, playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide, is making waves this season, especially with his talent in three-point shooting. He’s hitting an impressive 43.7% from the three-point range, which is a big deal. Sears brings more to the table than just three-pointers; he’s a top scorer, averaging 20.0 points per game, and also adds 3.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.
A game-changing moment for Sears was in the matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs. In that game, he showed true grit, especially in the second half, by scoring 19 out of his total 23 points, which included a game-changing three-pointer. This performance wasn’t just about scoring; it showed Sears’ ability to step up when it counts and deliver under pressure.
Sears’ willingness to take charge in crucial game moments and help his teammates shines a spotlight on his leadership qualities. Players who can step up in pivotal situations often become their teams’ emotional and strategic leaders, inspiring their teammates to elevate their performance.
Moreover, Sears is the kind of player who can do a bit of everything. He scores, helps his teammates, and isn’t afraid to take charge in crucial game moments. Hence, this makes him a key player for Alabama and one of the top shooters to watch this season.
Wooga Poplar – Miami Hurricanes
Wooga Poplar’s performance for the Miami Hurricanes this season has been remarkable, making him a standout player in college basketball. His ability to sink three-pointers at a rate close to 45% is a weapon that any team would covet. In the modern basketball game, a sharpshooter like Poplar spaces the floor, stretches the defense, and forces opponents to extend their coverage beyond the arc.
Averaging 14.6 points per game, Poplar is a deadly long-range shooter and a consistent scorer. His scoring ability adds a layer of reliability to Miami’s offense, knowing that they can count on him to put up points night in and night out. This consistency can be a game-changer in close contests and crucial moments.
Poplar’s contributions go beyond scoring. With 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, he showcases versatility and a willingness to contribute in various facets of the game. His rebounding ability helps the team secure possessions, and his playmaking skills ensure he’s not just a one-dimensional shooter but also a capable facilitator.
Brycen Goodine – Fairfield University Athletics
Brycen Goodine from the Fairfield Stags is another top player this season, especially with his three-point shooting. He’s been successful with 47.5% of his shots from three-point range. He’s also scoring an average of 13.6 points per game and helps with 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
Goodine’s skill at making three-point shots has been essential for Fairfield. It’s a big part of their game plan and has helped them do well this season. His ability to score from long distances also helps his team in other ways, like making more space on the court for other players.
What’s excellent about Goodine is that he’s not just focused on scoring. He’s involved in different parts of the game, which makes him a valuable player for the Fairfield Stags. His consistent performance is critical to his team’s success and makes him one of the top shooters to watch.
As he continues to perform consistently, he will undoubtedly play a crucial role in Fairfield’s pursuit of success in college basketball.
Trevin Knell – Brigham Young University
Rounding out the top five three-point shooters is Trevin Knell from the BYU Cougars. Knell has made a significant impact this season, especially with his three-point shooting, boasting an impressive 45.0% accuracy from beyond the arc. Knell is also a consistent scorer, averaging 11.9 points per game, and he plays a crucial role in rebounding and assisting, with averages of 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
His impressive three-point shooting, combined with his overall contribution in scoring, rebounding, and assisting, has made him one of the top players to watch. Knell’s performances from beyond the arc will be crucial for BYU’s success and offensive strategy as the season continues.
Final Takeaway
These top five sharpshooters have been instrumental in their respective teams’ performances and elevated the standard of three-point shooting in college basketball this season. Their ability to consistently make shots from beyond the arc under high-pressure situations is a testament to their skill and hard work. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how these players continue to impact the game and possibly write their names in the history books of college basketball.
