Top Guns

We’ve reached the point in the season where the shape and texture of teams’ and players’ games are evident. A few might collapse, or in NC State’s case snap out of it. But in most instances you can more or less predict the output.

With the league race about to move into the final turn, this is a good time to check out the best and worst shooters in the ACC among regulars – those who play at least 10 minutes per game.

When someone has the ball, let’s not go by reputation or a TV announcer’s assertion but rather by the facts, such as they are. Granted, some think only in-conference stats really matter. That’s one opinion.

What’s more, we don’t think a player must officially qualify among the league leaders – by making five field goals per game – to prove himself as a shooter. Too many marksmen are missed by employing that high bar.

Playing time may be curtailed by squad depth or redundant strengths, by limitations in stamina or ball skills, or a need for more experience or less aggressiveness. Or, having a particular player on the floor for longer stretches may compromise a team’s defensive prowess or cohesion.

Still, if he can shoot, he can shoot.

Among those listed below, only Wake’s John Collins qualifies among the official ACC leaders. The No. 2 shooter in the official stats is Duke’s Luke Kennard at .527. Fourteen players, led by Notre Dame’s Martinas Geben, a 6-10 junior, are making at least 58.0 percent of their shots.