In women’s college basketball, three-pointers have become something of an answer to dunks in the men’s game. They bring excitement, they can change games, they can force crowds to their feet, and they can change momentum.
A season ago, nine of the 12 teams that shot 37 percent or better from long range made the NCAA Tournament. Three of those teams advanced to the second weekend of the tournament, and the team that was sixth-best in three-point shooting last year, UConn, won the national championship.
And six of the 10 teams that made at least nine 3-pointers per game last season also danced in March Madness.
Remember, before leaving the WNBA, Caitlin Clark propelled Iowa to back-to-back national title game appearances with her ridiculous, highlight-worthy long-distance shooting. Last season, Azzi Fudd’s ability to shoot 3-pointers was a big reason the Huskies won it all.
Considering the importance of the three-point shot, these are the players worth paying close attention to this season when it comes to shooting behind the arc.
A season ago, among players who appeared in at least 20 games, Weiss ranked seventh nationally in three-pointers made per game with 3.1, which is also the most among players returning to the sport this season, according to Her Hoop Stats. As a sophomore, the 5-foot-10 guard from Hewlett, New York, shot 37.6 percent from behind the arc. He also led the Lions, who won an NCAA tournament game for the first time last season, in scoring with 17.8 points per game. This offseason, Weiss has been named to Her Hoop Stats’ watchlist for the Becky Hammon Award, given annually to the top mid-major player in the country.
You could easily argue that Kneepkens was the best shooter available in the transfer portal this past offseason. Last year at Utah, he ranked ninth nationally in 3-pointers made per game (3.0) and ranked 28th in shooting percentage from deep with a mark of 44.8 percent. That clip was also the sixth-best nationally among players who attempted at least 6.5 3-pointers per game last season. Throughout his career in 104 games, 96 of them starts, he is a 43.2 percent three-point shooter. He should give the Bruins a reliable perimeter threat as they aim to return to the Final Four.
As a freshman last season, Turner ranked seventh nationally in total 3-pointers made with 105 and was 17th in 3-point percentage at 45.7 percent. Among players returning to women’s college basketball this season who attempted at least five shots per game from long range last season, Turner’s three-point shooting percentage is the best. If Turner continues to develop and improve, she could quickly establish herself as the best sniper in the game.
T’yana Todd, Ohio State
While playing for Boston College last season as a junior, Todd shot 45.9 percent from behind the arc, which was 15th best nationally and the highest mark among ACC players who attempted at least three 3-pointers per game. She is expected to put up similar numbers in the Big Ten this season with the Buckeyes.
Grace Slaughter, Missouri
As a sophomore for the Tigers last season, Slaughter ranked 14th nationally in three-point shooting percentage with a mark of 45.9 percent. That clip was also the best among all SEC players who attempted at least 1.5 three-pointers per game last season. She should be a key contributor for Missouri this season as first-year head coach Kellie Harper attempts to rebuild the Tigers.
Also watching: Kiki Smith (Purdue), Tessa Johnson (South Carolina), Sydney Harris (Iowa State), Taryn Sides (Kansas State), Yarden Garzón (Maryland), Taylor McCabe (Iowa), Carla Viegas (Pitt), Lani White (Virginia Tech), Tanyuel Welch (Arizona), Abbie Aalsma (Drake), Keira Hanson (Vermont), Elle Evans (Kansas), Rachel Ullstrom (Richmond)