HOOPSWORLD | Basketball News & NBA Rumors

As the NBA Playoffs inch towards their conclusion, the 2011 NBA Draft draws nearer.  Over the course of the past few weeks, HOOPSWORLD has ramped up its coverage of June’s draft by breaking down the top players at each position, as well as some names to know.  Today we examine the top shooters in this year’s draft class. 

While some players, like Mickey McConnell of St. Mary’s, may be excellent shooters, we are going to focus on the marksmen who are likely to be drafted.

Jimmer Fredette, G, BYU
Throughout the course of Jimmer Fredette’s four year career he has received a ton of attention for his ability to score the ball at a remarkable rate and for carrying the Cougars to Sweet Sixteen of the 2011 NCAA Tournament.  The 6-4 guard has been one of the most prolific scorers at the college ranks in recent memory and is clearly one of the top shooters in this draft class.

This season, Fredette shot .396 from behind the three-point line but, while that number isn’t going to wow people, he was the focus of every defense he faced, often dealing with double- and triple-teams while still managing to shoot a respectable percentage and average nearly 29 points per game. 

The senior out of Glen Falls, N.Y., has seemingly unlimited range and is a threat to pull up and shoot from just about anywhere once he crosses mid-court.  He is equally capable of knocking down shots from deep whether off the dribble, coming off of a screen or in catch and shoot situations. 

Without a doubt, Fredette is capable of putting pressure on the defense just about anywhere on the court and is one of the best shooters available in the 2011 NBA Draft.

Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky
An intriguing overall prospect despite some questions about his ability to run an NBA team on a full-time basis, Brandon Knight has some undeniable skills that will almost certainly make him a top-10 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.  Foremost on that list are his high basketball I.Q. and ability to shoot the basketball.

While Knight’s field goal (.423) and three-point (.377) shooting percentages don’t exactly scream shooter, the 18-year old has good mechanics on his jump-shot and, despite already having range out to the NBA three-point line, is still developing as a shooter.  Perhaps even more importantly, he is still developing in terms of decision-making and shot-selection.

The 6-3, 170 lb., guard out of Kentucky is a capable shooter off the dribble, spotting up and coming off of screens and his ability to knock down shots will likely earn him some minutes in the NBA as his point guard skills continue to develop.

Klay Thompson, SG/SF, Washington
After averaging 19.6 points per game in a breakout sophomore campaign a year ago, Klay Thompson took his game to another level as junior this season.  The 6-7 swingman saw an increase in nearly every statistical category, despite playing nearly one minute less per game this season than he did last. 

Throughout his three years at Washington State, Thompson shot .390 from behind the three-point line but he also showed range out beyond the NBA arc and clearly demonstrated better shot-selection over the course of his college career.  {AUTHOR_BOX}

This season, Thompson hit at least three three-point shots in 19 of 24 games and opened the season by hitting at least one three-pointer in 32 straight games.    With his size, strength and fluid mechanics, Thompson figures to be a tremendous shooter at the NBA level.

Justin Harper, F, Richmond
Perhaps the most interesting prospect on this list, Justin Harper can flat out shoot the ball.  Standing 6-10 and playing the power forward spot, his ability to step out and shoot the ball well from beyond the NBA three-point line is what separates Harper from the rest of this draft class. 

With the "stretch four" becoming such a popular asset in the NBA over the last few years, Harper comes along at the right time to maximize his draft status, potentially providing a team with a tremendous pick-pop player who can pull opposing big men away from the basket while being able to score from the perimeter and thrive while facing the basket.

This season, Harper converted on 77-172 (.448) three-point field goal attempts while helping Richmond to an Atlantic-10 Conference Tournament title and a trip to the Sweet Sixteen of the 2011 NCAA Tournament. 

Demetri McCamey, PG, Illinois
Despite the fact that there are several red flags which surround Demetri McCamey as an NBA prospect, he possesses two skills that are undeniably NBA-caliber: shooting and passing. 

As a senior, McCamey blossomed as a shooter, showing range out well beyond the NBA three-point line while connecting on better than 45 percent of his three-point tries.  The 6-3, 200 lbs. point guard is comfortable shooting with his feet set or off the dribble and has the strength and mechanics to do so from deep. 

One of the top three-point shooters in the country this season, McCamey also has the size to spend some time at the shooting guard position in the NBA, helping to improve his somewhat shaky draft status.

Honorable Mention:  Charles Jenkins, Hofstra; Ben Hansbrough, Notre Dame; Andrew Goudelock, College of Charleston; Jon Diebler, Ohio State