Basketball covets and prioritizes shooting ability at all levels of the game. As evaluators, we're constantly identifying and researching the sport's most dependable shooters, especially with an eye on future productivity.
Shooting has become an artform in the modern game, and who better than Stephen Curry's shooting coach, Brandon Payne, to weigh in on what it takes to stand out as a shooter?
"Be a fluid mover who is in great shape. Shooters must be the most well-conditioned players on the floor because of the movement required to get open," Payne said. "Do you work in pressure situations in your workouts against a time and score? There are a lot of players that shoot extremely well in workouts, but they struggle to translate that success to games. Your work habits as a shooter, and your willingness to work at an uncomfortable pace with great and consistent mechanics and preparation ultimately makes you the game shooter you are. Can you stretch the floor and create gravity to create opportunities for your teammates?
"Above anything else, you must be comfortable and confident as a shooter in all situations. Unshakable confidence can help a shooter overcome a lot of physical and mechanical issues. Mentally tough shooters are the best shooters in the world."
Today, we're highlighting a group of great shooters who exemplify Payne's blueprint ahead of what should be productive senior seasons. With more dedication and refinement, every player on this list could project as an impact player both this season and in college basketball because of their transferable skill.
We pored over a variety of categories such as made 3-pointers, shooting percentage, shot quality and volume of attempts. The eye test evaluates shot mechanics, shot preparation and movement before the shot. Based on data, live evaluations and film, these are currently the best shot-takers, shooters and shot-makers in the class of 2025 that we scouted.
Shon Abaev, SF
Uncommitted | ESPN No. 36
Abaev's shot mechanics on his jumper might not be pure, but he's a problem for opponents when he gets hot. He has a shooter's mentality and connected on 39% of his 3s this summer, according to Synergy Sports. Abaev has improved off the dribble and loves to pull up, whether in the mid-post or mid-range, because at 6-foot-7 he can shoot over a lot of defenders. His shot quality comes into question at times, but his confidence hit a new level over the past few months. He was outstanding recently at the Elite 24 with 22 points 10 assist and 7 rebounds, which led to MVP honors. Abaev has visits set up with Dayton, Syracuse, USC, Cincinnati, Auburn and Maryland.
Matt Able, SG
Uncommitted | Four-star
Able was the most improved player in our recent summer superlatives. He has established himself this summer with his size, scoring and shooting. He loved to make corner 3's and shot an outstanding 46% on all catch-and-shoot long-distance triples. He's capable as both a shot creator and standstill shooter and is also a pull-up mid-range threat. Able puts points on the boards and makes 77% of his free throws as well.
Nate Ament, SF
Uncommitted | No. 8 ESPN 100
Ament displays a sweet shooting stroke. He made 42% of his 3-pointers and averaged 4.8 attempts per game, according to Synergy Sports. He's equally effective off the catch and with his pull-up dribble. Ament is an accurate midrange shooter, although he doesn't attempt many and he's growing into his long frame, which has the attention of NBA scouts. His next step is learning to play through contact at the rim.
Jamarion Batemon, SG
Iowa State commit | Four-star
Batemon is the king of the shot-makers. His 79 3s on 189 attempts were the most of any circuit, according to Synergy. Batemon has shot the ball well for the last two years, making 37% of his 3s last year and upping it to 42% this summer. He's very impactful behind the arc and averages over nine attempts per game. Iowa State identified Batemon early and landed the sharpshooter -- expect to see him ranked in the ESPN 100 in our next update.
Mikel Brown Jr., PG
Uncommitted | ESPN No.16
Brown's one of the most skilled guards in the class. He owns great rhythm and touch when shooting and his handle takes him to spots on the floor to quickly score. He converted 64 3-pointers this summer on 38% shooting but what's even more impressive is he hit 36% of his 3-pointers off the dribble. Brown is one of the few players who effectively makes shots in a variety of ways. His 85% free throw shooting suggests his jumper is only going to improve.
Derek Dixon, SG
Uncommitted | ESPN No. 55
Dixon's special IQ helps him get open for quality looks. His handle and passing are both solid point guard attributes, but his scoring ability is his calling card. He shot 39% overall from distance this summer. Dixon's strong combination of movement 3's (37%) and pull-up 3's (44%) opens eyes, and he's super effective from mid-range as well (44%). He has made himself into one of the most consistent and dependable offensive players in the country.
Ryder Frost, SF
Uncommitted | Four-star
At 6-6, Frost plays with a high IQ, toughness and shot-making talent. He shot 44% from 3 with his feet set, but 56% off running screens -- a highly transferable talent. Frost developed a habit of setting up his man and reading his defender to change pace off a screen with space. His shot preparation has good economy of motion and his shot mechanics have a quick release time. Iowa, Syracuse, BYU, Boston College are in the mix so far.
Zach Kinziger, SG
Wisconsin commit | ESPN No. 66
Kinziger is as lethal a shooter as you will find. He shoots a soft ball with a high release point, appropriate arc, and plenty of smooth rotations on its flight. He shoots 39% overall from 3 with most of his shots coming off screens while spotting up with his feet set. He made 65 3-pointers and also shot an elite 89% from the free throw line this summer, per Synergy Sports. Kinziger does an excellent job losing his defender with a shot fake, then finding open space for a clean look. On the flip side, he still made 40% of his contested 3s.
Kaden Magwood, PG
Uncommitted | ESPN No. 60
Magwood stresses defenses in a variety of ways. He knocked 46% of his 3-pointers while attempting 5.7 per game, including 41% on pull-up triples. Magwood is one of the few in the class who is steady and dependable both off the catch or the dribble either from deep or from mid-range -- he's also an 82% free throw shooter on over five attempts per game. Magwood is an aggressive, confident player who lights up a scoreboard in a matter of minutes. An efficient shooter, he also shows an elevated level of competitiveness.
Braylon Mullins, SG
Uncommitted | ESPN No. 29
Mullins burst on the scene this spring after battling injury during his high school season. His great shot mechanics and preparation make him a quick shooter. He has a speedy release because of his footwork, and his range is deep and concise. Mullins is a movement shooter who understands how important it is to first get open. He's a tough-minded worker ready to make either the next shot or the big shot.