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Both the shooting guard position and small forward spot provide the senior class with great depth. Finding pure, knock-down shooters is always hard, as many players can make shots but few can do it on a consistent basis. Let's take a look at the five best shooters in 2015 and examine what separates them from the rest. 1. Luke Kennard (No. 26 in ESPN 100)
Committed to Duke This lefty has a quick trigger, with a high release and bounce. His fluid shot mechanics help him make open and contested shots. Kennard may own the deepest range among this group of shooters as the distance on his jumper goes out to the NBA 3-point line (23 feet, 9 inches). Kennard can shoot in a variety of ways: He's excellent at the stationary 3-point shot, he will utilize off-ball screens, and he's effective off the bounce to rise up for a long-distance field goal. He opens space on the floor for drives and post play. The scouting report says to stay close and connected to him or he will make you pay with big numbers. 2. Malachi Richardson (No. 19)
Committed to Syracuse This 6-foot-7 long, athletic forward is dangerous at making deep and or mid-range jumpers by taking one or two rhythm dribbles into his shot. With the ball in his hands in ball screen action, he stops behind the screen when his defender gets buried to pull up and nail the shot as distance is never a problem. As the in-bounder on baseline, out-of-bounds plays, he usually receives a single or a stagger double screen to free himself for a shot. Richardson is hard to guard because he can escape defenders with the dribble and still nails the shot from anywhere on the floor. Look for him to be one of the main outside threats in the future for the Orange. 3. Jalen Coleman (No. 34)
Committed to Illinois Coleman's tremendous shot preparation puts him head and shoulders above others in his class. He quickly gets his feet set as his hips and shoulders follow to square up his body. His shot mechanics are especially strong and his follow through is textbook. Range and accuracy are never a problem as this summer he shot for more than 50 percent in the prestigious Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL). He displays the perfect shooter's mentality, only being concerned with making the next shot and not thinking about the last shot. The future Fighting Illini has made terrific strides in connecting on shots utilizing the dribble, which will allow him to play more with ball screens. 4. Matt McQuaid (No. 65)
Committed to Michigan State McQuaid's thin frame has good length, which allows both of his eyes to get focused on the rim. What stands out about Mcquaid is his readiness to shoot the ball from any distance on the floor. He understands the importance of creating space and is one of the best at using the shot fake to do so. Playing off the ball, he nails 3-point shots from a catch-and-shoot position or he can move to spot up as he reads and relocates very well when the ball moves. When he runs the floor and receives the throw ahead pass, he is comfortable, confident and accurate in taking and making long shots. He gets good opportunities as he first sets a screen, then receives a screen for an open shot. At Michigan State, Tom Izzo will be drawing up many plays to get Mcquaid shots over his career. 5. Austin Grandstaff (No. 45)
Committed to Ohio State Grandstaff is the most streaky of this bunch, but when he gets on a roll, his long-range shot can change the momentum of a game. He prefers to take shots without the use of the dribble as he finds open spots on the floor. He owns a strong basketball IQ and can get open by cutting or running off screens away from the ball. In 16 games this summer for Team Texas in the Nike EYBL, he made 44 3-pointers in 16 games.
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