Aaron Nesmith is arguably (well is it arguable really?) the best shooter in the nation. The Vanderbilt guard/forward is opening eyes of many scouts ahead of the 2020 NBA Draft as one of the top projected shooters.
So, just how good is he shooting? Nesmith is currently shooting 52.2% from behind the arc on 115 attempts through the first 14 games of the season.
Yes, you read that right… 52.2% from three-point range
He’s been doing it in every way. While known as a catch and shoot three-point shooter, 16.7% of his shots from deep are still unassisted which is a lot for a wing who doesn’t always command the ball. Aaron has a quick cross that he uses and is able to change the timing on his release depending on how close the defender is to getting a hand up.
He’s got plenty in the bag and doesn’t seem like he’ll be slowing down in regard to hitting his threes. (He already has 60 made threes) Now, Vanderbilt still has 17 games left in the season before the Conference tournament and a hopeful NCAA Tournament birth, but the pace that Aaron Nesmith is currently on should not be overlooked.
Since the 1992-1993 college basketball season, (that’s how far back we can go) there are only 2 players who have attempted over 200 three pointers while maintaining a 3PT% above 50% in a season. Those two players are Salim Stoudamire for Arizona in the 2004-2005 season where he shot 50.4% from deep on 234 attempts and Jon Diebler for Ohio State in the 2010-2011 season where he shot 50.2% from deep on 227 attempts. Aaron Nesmith is on pace to be on that list.
Aaron Nesmith has a better percentage than those two currently and will more than likely attempt more three pointers than those two. Sure, we still have plenty of time left in the season, but there’s a chance that Nesmith could have the best 3-point shooting season in college basketball history once this season comes to an end.
So, keep Aaron Nesmith’s name in mind as you continue to watch basketball this season and check out how Vanderbilt continues to play with their star shooter lighting it up on a nightly basis.
