In the preseason writers get to fill up the interwebs with predictions, which then go away. That's what it means to be an 'expert.' You get to say crap, and you rarely get called on it. Too much time passes. People move on.
But I'm a masochist. I keep track of my predictions so that I can grade myself. There's some hope that by doing this I'll get better in the future. Regardless, today's review is of the 12 best shooters in college basketball.
Nothing But Net
Rotnei Clarke, Butler: Clarke, who sat out a year after transferring from Arkansas, has not only picked up right where he left off, but is shooting the ball better than ever. His top season at Arkansas he made 43.8% of his 3s. Now, despite being the only real 3-point threat the Bulldogs have, he's made 47.2%, and has made 6 in a game twice.
Jordan Hulls, Indiana: Hulls continues to impress. After making a remarkable 49% from the arc last year, he's stepped it up even more by knocking down 51%. Apparently, seniors are easier to predict. Duh.
Sean Armand, Iona: Armand played less than half his team's minutes last year, but made 46% of his 3s. Now he's playing 86% of the minutes and making 44.3%. He's upped the number of shots he takes while he's on the floor, and uses 5% more of the team's possessions.
Doug McDermott, Creighton: McDermott has been nothing short of amazing on offense. He uses 31% of his team's possessions, takes 32% of the shots, and still manages to make half his 3s.
Jordan Dykstra, South Dakota State: Last year Dykstra made 47.3% of his 3s. This year? He's at 47.4%. Consistency is a good thing, especially when it comes to making shots at a superior rate.
Shooter's Touch
Isaiah Canaan, Murray State: Yes, Canaan has made 41.5% of his 3s, but that's down significantly from last year (46%). As a freshman he made 48%. In his past three games he's only made 8-23 (35%).
Scott Wood, NC State: Wood is another player who has saved his best for last, though it's not quite enough to boost him into the nation's elite. He's shooting a career best 43.4% and maintaining his exact split from last year by shooting 75% of his shots from the arc.
Michael Snaer, Florida State: Snaer opened the season with an 0-6 outburst from beyond the arc, but has since made 45% of his 3s. Unlike Sean Armand (see above), he's not adapting as well to a heavier work load. Still, most of his issues are turnover related. He can still shoot.
Back Rim
Shane Gibson, Sacred Heart: Only eight players in the nation take more of their team's shots that Gibson. Unfortunately, his numbers are down across the board. He's making 40% of his 3s, which is the upper limit for the Back Rim category. If only he'd made one more!
Airball
Kris Davis, SIU-Edwardsville: I should have seen the writing on the wall when last year's best 3-point shooter in the nation (Davis) made a higher % from the arc (60%) than he did from the free throw line (57%). That screams that he's thinking too much. And now he's doing it one 3s as well, and has dropped to 35%.
EJ Singler, Oregon: Singler hasn't been automatic from the free throw line as in years past (76.3%) and has only made 36.5% of his 3s.
Chad White, South Dakota State: Oh Chad, what happened? White made 46.2%, 42.2% and 47.2% of his 3s in his first three seasons as a Jackrabbit. This year he's made a woeful 31%. He's 4-18 (22%) if you're wondering about him turning the corner. Apparently seniors are more difficult to predict. Duh.
