Stevie Sansone is the best shooter in college basketball. Statistically speaking, he shot (423) and made (157) more three’s than any player in the country—at any level (sure, there may be other factors that play into the statement of ‘best shooter’, but let’s simply stick with the numbers for now).
| Name | School | 3′s |
| NCAA D1 | ||
| Akeem Richmond | East Carolina | 155 |
| NCAA D2 | ||
| PJ Foster | Limestone | 155 |
| NCAA D3 | ||
| Jack Taylor | Grinnell | 129 |
| NAIA D1 | ||
| Xavier Roberson | Our Lady of the Lake | 152 |
| NAIA D2 | ||
| Zach Miller | Bethel | 126 |
| NCCAA D1 & D2 | ||
| Stevie Sansone | Multnomah | 157 |
Who is Stevie Sansone? Good question!
The reason that you’ve never heard of this sharp-shooter is probably because he is a Junior at Multnomah University (MU), a small Bible College in Portland, Oregon. Historically, MU is better know for the number of pastors and missionaries that it produces than it is for high level athletes. MU has just over 350 undergraduate students, and holds a duel affiliation in the smallest college associations in the country—the NCCAA (National Christian College Athletics Association) Division II, and the ACCA (Association of Christian College Athletics).
At 6’0”, 175 lbs, Sansone is a pretty normal dude. If you saw him walking down the street, you’d have no reason to think he is anything other than what he appears to be. However, meet him on a basketball court and be ready to witness a shooting clinic. While MU plays a very up-tempo style of basketball, there is no question that Sansone’s smooth form and quick release allow him to drain threes at a more significant pace than most. Even with the ability to ‘shoot the lights out’, Sansone also has the unique qualities of humility and perspective. Most 21 year old college athletes might be tempted to boast, posture, and build their ‘rep’ from accomplishing a feet like Sansone has… but not this guy. You’d be hard-pressed to even get Sansone to admit his accomplishment without first watching him blush and kick the dust.
Consider his words when recently asked how it feels to be the best shooter in the country:
“I really don’t consider myself the best shooter in the country. I think I’m a good shooter, but it’s hard to be the best at anything when you are coming from our level and knowing that there are five levels above us where the athletes are usually bigger, faster and stronger.
I believe that my passion for basketball and for being in the gym is truly from God. My hope is that whoever sees me shooting can see that this really is a GOD GIVEN gift, and I want to use this gift as a way to point people to Jesus.”
In a sports world full of self honor and shameless conceit, it is refreshing to find someone that is not only the best at what he does, but who is sold out to the Giver of good and perfect gifts.
Good shooting Stevie… good shooting.