Perimeter shooting has become one of the most valuable skills in modern basketball.
Players like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson revolutionized the game when they took the NBA by storm more than a decade ago. Now, 3-point shooting has become almost a neccesity for players looking to make an impact at the next level, especially amongst guards and wings.
Even in today's NBA where most players are at least reliable perimeter shooters, having specific 3-point specialists, who's primary skill is shooting, can create an advantage for offenses.
Of course, there are prospects at the top of the 2026 NBA Draft class whose primary skill is 3-point shooting, but there are also a few sharpshooters flying under the radar who could play their way into the upcoming class.
Here are a few lesser-known shooters that could rise up draft boards.
After three seasons at Iowa, Dix transferred to Creighton following the 2024-25 campaign.
IOWA WINS IT AT THE BUZZER! 🚨
JOSH DIX JUST DID THAT! pic.twitter.com/qhK33QBIVO
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) December 4, 2024
The senior's move comes after a career year with the Hawkeyes that saw the 6-foot-5 guard average 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
Dix shot 50.7% from the field and 42.2% from beyond the arc on 4.2 attempts per game as a junior, also hitting 76.6% of his shots from the free throw line.
Falslev returns for his third season at Utah State after an impressive sophomore campaign.
MASON FALSLEV. FOUR-POINT PLAY.
He's got a career-high 26 points#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/3T9GwlbJnv
— USU Men's Hoops (@USUBasketball) November 30, 2024
In 2024-25, the Aggies' standout tallied 15 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.3 steals while shooting 49.7% from the field and 39% from 3-point range on four attempts per game.
Falslev's all-around game and shooting touch make him an interesting prospect, but his size and age could be a concern for some teams as the 6-foot-3 guard will turn 24-years-old in October.
Rohde transferred to Wisconsin over the offseason after two years at Virginia preceeded by a year at St. Thomas in the Summit League.
Andrew Rohde is 6’6 and shoots 41% from 3
Also a really nice passer
Visiting Wisconsin in the upcoming next couple days 👀
pic.twitter.com/mWACa18f8s
— Dr. Marte (@Badgers_44) April 1, 2025
In 2024-25 with the Cavaliers, the 6-foot-6 guard put up 9.3 points, 4.3 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 43.2% from the field and 41.3% from deep on 3.5 attempts per game.
If Rohde can turn in another strong shooting season while increasing his scoring output, he should garner attention as a potential second round pick or priority undrafted free agent.
Thornton considered testing the 2025 NBA Draft waters, but elected to return to Ohio State for his senior season.
Bruce Thornton hit 🖐️ three pointers tonight in @OhioStateHoops’ B1G win 🔥
📍Unleaded88 x #B1GMBBall pic.twitter.com/uANGMmG6Ty
— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) January 31, 2025
As a junior, the Buckeyes' standout averaged 17.7 points, 4.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals while shooting 50.1% from the field, 42.4% from beyond the arc and 85.3% from the charity stripe.
Like Falslev, Thornton's size could be a concern for NBA teams, as the talented guard is listed at 6-foot-2.
Following three solid seasons at Sam Houston State, Wilkerson will play for Indiana in 2025-26.
The sharpshooter has already worked his way into the Hoosiers' starting lineup, starring for the team during multiple exhibition matches in Puerto Rico over the summer.
Lamar Wilkerson blows past Bucks second-round pick Bogoljob Markovic and finishes at the rim.
And-one. Stare down. #iubb within nine. pic.twitter.com/UurSNnRtVW
— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) August 11, 2025
At SHSU in 2024-25, Wilkerson tallied 20.5 points, four rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 47.7% from the field and 44.5% from deep on 7.7 attempts per game.
If Wilkerson has a strong season in the Big 10, he should be in the mix to be selected in the second round. Turning 24-years-old in November, the 6-foot-5 guard's age will likely prevent him from being a premier draft pick.
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