The 10 best shooters in women’s basketball ahead of the 2023-24 season

Women’s college basketball has fully embraced the three-point revolution, with long-range attempts increasing by over 10% in the last ten years. One player in particular, Caitlin Clark of Iowa, has captivated audiences with her audacious shooting performances. Let’s take a closer look at the top ten shooters leading women’s college basketball into a new era:

1. Caitlin Clark, Iowa (27.8 PPG, 38.9 3PT%)

Caitlin Clark is a dominant force in every aspect of the game, but her shooting prowess is what sets her apart. As a freshman, she led the nation in scoring and finished fourth in three-point attempts. Despite a sophomore slump, Clark bounced back with exceptional numbers last season, earning her a spot in the national championship game and the Naismith Player of the Year award. Her shooting percentage is slightly hindered by her high usage rate and her willingness to take shots from anywhere on the court. If the four-point line becomes a reality, Clark will undoubtedly excel even further.

Iowa will heavily rely on Clark’s limitless shooting range as they strive to make a return to the Final Four after losing key front-court players.

Get ready for the new season: Preseason top 25 rankings

2. Hannah Jump, Stanford (11.2 PPG, 44.1 3PT%)

When it comes to mastering the art of the three-point shot, few can match Hannah Jump’s skills. A Bay Area native, Jump impressively converted 44% of her attempts from beyond the arc, making her one of the best shooters in college basketball. She effortlessly maneuvers around the perimeter, utilizing screens and finding open spots to set up her deadly jump shots. While Jump primarily focused on scoring last season, she may be called upon to expand her role and become a more versatile scorer following her back-court partner’s departure to the WNBA.

3. Brynna Maxwell, Gonzaga (13.5 PPG, 48.1 3PT%)

In the previous season, Brynna Maxwell struggled with her shooting, experiencing a significant drop from her impressive freshman year numbers. However, after transferring to Gonzaga, she found her groove once again and showcased her diverse perimeter scoring abilities. Maxwell’s quick release and ability to shoot off the catch or off the dribble make her a formidable threat. Her shooting percentage reached an impressive 48% last season, solidifying her status as one of the top shooters in college basketball.

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4. Kaylynne Truong, Gonzaga (15.8 PPG, 42.2 3PT%)

Another Gonzaga player makes the list, and it’s no surprise considering the team’s reputation for three-point shooting. Kaylynne Truong has had a similar career trajectory to her teammate Maxwell. After a strong start as a freshman, Truong faced struggles in her sophomore and junior seasons. However, she bounced back in the ’22-’23 season, showcasing her shooting skills once again. Truong’s talent extends beyond shooting, as she also averages five assists per game, making her one of the best point guards in college basketball.

5. Sydney Taylor, Louisville (16.1 PPG, 38.5 3PT%)

Sydney Taylor faces the challenging task of replacing a player who logged the most minutes in Division I, but Louisville coach Jeff Walz found a promising solution in the transfer portal. Taylor, who had a stellar career at UMass, has established herself as one of the highest-volume perimeter scorers in the country. With her ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc, Taylor has already proven her clutch gene with game-tying buzzer-beaters. Her shooting skills will be crucial as she adapts to the rigors of ACC play.

6. Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina (13.1 PPG, 42.4 3PT%)

South Carolina’s new-look backcourt has received high praise from Hall of Fame coach Dawn Staley. Te-Hina Paopao, who spent her previous years at Oregon, emerged as one of the top perimeter scorers in the PAC-12. Though she experienced a slump during her sophomore year, Paopao bounced back with an impressive 42% three-point shooting last season. She excels at catch-and-shoot opportunities but also possesses the ability to make tough shots from the perimeter.

7. Sammie Puisus, South Florida (15.6 PPG, 38.7 3PT%)

Sammie Puisus made a wise decision to transfer to South Florida after three seasons at Florida State. Her move immediately paid off, as she tripled her scoring output and became a crucial part of the Bulls’ offense. Puisus is not afraid to take deep shots, and her pump fakes from beyond the three-point line can make defenders tremble. She displays great off-ball movement to find open looks and consistently contributes to the team’s success.

8. Abbey Hsu, Columbia (17.8 PPG, 37.7 3PT%)

Abbey Hsu, who holds the Ivy League’s single-season record for three-pointers, returns for another season in New York. Hsu’s shooting volume is impressive, finishing second in threes made and fourth in attempts in all of college basketball. Standing at nearly six feet tall, Hsu effectively shoots over her opponents while also possessing a devastating mid-range dribble pull-up. She hopes to lead Columbia to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in program history.

9. Frida Formann, Colorado (12 PPG, 39.2 3PT%)

Hailing from Denmark, Frida Formann has made a name for herself as a stellar shooter in Colorado. In the ’22-’23 season, she reached a new level, knocking down four out of ten shots from long-range per game. Formann’s shooting prowess shone brightly in the NCAA tournament, where she played a crucial role in Colorado’s Sweet 16 run. Her consistent shooting stroke and clutch performances will be essential for the team’s success.

10. Paige Bueckers, Connecticut (20 PPG, 46 3PT% [2021 stats])

Paige Bueckers, despite only playing 13 games since the 2021 Final Four, has already established herself as one of the best shooters in college basketball. Although the three-point shot isn’t her primary focus, Bueckers has showcased her efficiency from beyond the arc. In the 2021 season, she shot an impressive 46% from three-point range. While injuries have hindered her recent seasons, Bueckers’ pedigree and track record suggest that she belongs among the nation’s elite shooters.