College Basketball Recruiting: Ranking the Best Shooters in the Class of 2017

With the rise of Stephen Curry, shooting has become a major focus for all levels of basketball as teams are constantly searching for threats to stretch the floor.

Not everyone can shoot with unlimited range like the Golden State Warriors superstar, but there are plenty of players in the class of 2017 who you shouldn't leave open along the perimeter.

Some of these shooters have the size to shoot over the top of smaller defenders while others have a quick release to pull a shot from anywhere inside half court. 

Either way, the game is expanding in terms of range and what coaches expect out of shooters. Here's a look at eight of the top shooters in the country based on spring success and overall shooting mechanics. While all of these players made a lot of perimeter looks, some of them had remarkable efficiency while doing so, placing them at the top of this list.

Recruiting ratings via 247Sports.

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and information were obtained firsthand.

Lonnie Walker, Shooting Guard

Shooting profile: Already a noted prospect who is sitting at 5-star status, the 6'5" Lonnie Walker has developed into a well-rounded scorer, and he's the type of shooter who commands attention from the perimeter. Since he can attack the basket and knock down pull-up jumpers, Walker is a tough cover when his perimeter shot is falling.

Stat that sticks out: Walker has been efficient shooting from all over the floor this spring as he sits at 40 percent from the three-point line (35-for-87) and 73 percent from the free-throw line. Since he also attacks the basket and distributes a bit, Walker is a well-rounded guard who can do a bit of everything.

Brandon Randolph, Shooting Guard

Shooting profile: With good size on the wing at 6'6", Brandon Randolph burst on the national scene during the high school season thanks to his athleticism and smooth jumper. Those skills translated well to the Nike EYBL this spring as Randolph knocked down 37 three-pointers at a 40 percent clip.

Stat that sticks out: The three-point percentage is nice, but Randolph is shooting well from all over the floor, as indicated by his spring shooting splits. Also shooting 48 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free-throw line, Randolph has been efficient as a scorer with the PSA Cardinals.

R.J. Cole, Guard

Shooting profile: The New Jersey Playaz have produced some high-quality shooters before like Myles Mack (Rutgers) and Myles Davis (Xavier), and R.J. Cole is the latest to come from that program. The 6'1" guard nailed 50 percent of his threes during EYBL play this spring as he made 34 threes in 16 games.

Stat that sticks out: Cole's efficiency is good, but he can also get red-hot and take over a game with his perimeter shooting. In three of his 16 EYBL games this spring, Cole made five three-pointers in a game. When you have a shooter who draws as much attention as Cole, it opens up a lot of options for others. With another strong shooter on the roster in Jamir Harris, the Playaz are tough to stop.

Cedric Russell, Shooting Guard

Kelly Kline/Under Armour

Shooting profile: Previously committed to LSU, the 6'2" guard has opened up his recruitment and had a good spring shooting the ball. Playing with Louisiana Elite in the Under Armour Association, Cedric Russell made 26 three-pointers in 12 games this spring and was confident shooting the ball from anywhere on the floor.

Stat that sticks out: Russell is hitting 44 percent of his three-pointers this spring, which is an efficient mark that will get plenty of college coaches interested. To go along with his stellar outside shooting, Russell was also an 83 percent free-throw shooter this spring.

Tyshon Alexander, Guard

Shooting profile: Committed to Creighton, the 6'4" Tyshon Alexander is playing at a high level this spring, and his jumper has really been working for him. One of the Under Armour Association's leaders in made three-pointers, Alexander made 27 triples this spring, and he's been a noted shooter in the league the last three years.

Stat that sticks out: While Alexander has always been a threat from distance, he's improved his percentages this spring, as he's up 43 percent after making 39 percent the spring before. Showing gradual progress in efficiency is a great sign for Alexander's continued development as a shooter. With the way the Bluejays love to space the floor, he should be a good fit at Creighton.

Brad Davison, Shooting Guard

Shooting profile: Already a noted floor spacer entering the spring, the 6'4" Brad Davison had the benefit of being Howard Pulley's second option in the Nike EYBL thanks to playing alongside 5-star prospect Gary Trent Jr. Playing with a future All-American helped Davison get plenty of open looks, as he canned 37 triples in 16 games this spring.

Stat that sticks out: Davison has been efficient as a shooter this spring, as he made 43 percent of his three-pointers for Howard Pulley. Not only has Davison been solid from the perimeter, but he's also made 86 percent of his free throws. 

Jemarl Baker, Point Guard

Shooting profile: Already committed to Cal, the 6'3" point guard led the Under Armour Association in made three-pointers this spring with 41 makes in only 12 games. Jemarl Baker's 47 percent shooting from distance was incredibly efficient, and he was dialed in for most of the spring.

Stat that sticks out: Not only was Baker a dynamic shooter this spring, but he was also a great floor leader with the ball in his hands. With 38 assists and only seven turnovers this spring, Baker is the kind of guard who can knock down shots and find others for buckets. Being a well-rounded point guard makes him that much tougher to defend as a shooter.

Michael Hueitt Jr., Shooting Guard

Shooting profile: The 6'3" native of North Carolina already had a big reputation as a shooter entering this spring, and Michael Hueitt Jr. did nothing to dispel that notion with his play in the Nike EYBL. The EYBL's leader in made three-pointers at 56 in 16 games this spring, Hueitt Jr. is a classic volume shooter who can really get rolling from the perimeter. 

Stat that sticks out: Making 56 triples in only 16 games is impressive enough, but Hueitt was also efficient while doing so. Shooting 47 percent from distance in the EYBL, Hueitt is a nightmare to cover because he takes a lot of threes while making close to half of them.