What attributes come to mind when you think about outstanding collegiate point guards? Do you only consider ball-handling and play-making abilities? Or has your paradigm altered to incorporate multi-talented, super-gifted athletes who now accomplish everything from the “1”?
Over the years, many of the finest point guards have been “pass-first” players, focusing almost entirely on bringing the ball up, controlling the offense, and passing it to their teammates in scoring position. Recently, we’ve seen those point guards can be just as dangerous as anybody else on the floor while still providing the ball to the rest of their squad.
There is no “correct” method of playing point. What is most important is that they are leading their team. They are in charge of everything. In certain circumstances, they are the star of the show.
Let’s take a look at the top 15 best guards in college basketball. We will look at the best guards in college basketball and rank them based on a variety of criteria such as points, assists, steals, assists-to-turnover ratio, honors, and many more. Because of the importance of the guards, we will also consider team successes.
Let’s waste no more time and get straight to it.
Table of contents
Top 15 Best Guards in College Basketball
Let’s get straight to it.
#1. Miles McBride
School: West Virginia
McBride is one of the top guards in the country due to his scoring ability and attacking mentality. McBride is a powerful player who can get downhill and finish tough at the rim.
He showed considerable growth in his game, notably in his three-point shooting, he continued (41.4 percent off the catch and dribble). Furthermore, his open-floor quickness, as well as his finishing and passing skills, make him an excellent transition player.
In addition, he can pull up in the transition from the midrange, making him difficult to contain. McBride’s physicality makes opposing guards struggle to defend him successfully. McBride’s playmaking ability has also catapulted him to the next level as a skilled distributor who can also handle point guard duties.
He is without a doubt one of the best guards in college basketball. He plays the game with a lot of confidence and is capable of making shots in important situations.
He now provides excellent ball pressure and tenacity to the defense. In addition to having a powerful motor on and off the court to disturb opposing guards. Miles McBride is one of the top players in the country, and if he returns to West Virginia, the Mountaineers will compete for the Big 12 championship.
#2. Collin Gillespie
School: Villanova
Gillespie had a tremendous senior season until he tore his MCL, and he now aims to lead Villanova back to the Final Four. Furthermore, as an exceptional basketball player with excellent control, he contributes to the Villanova identity.
It is also necessary to be able to go into the lane on jump stops to make shots and pass to teammates. He is also very good at posting up guards for scoring opportunities or passing out of the post. Next, he’s an excellent shot creator from the perimeter, hitting 37.6 percent from three.
Collin is one of the best guards in college basketball. He is a solid passer, but he might develop to be more dynamic with the game in that area.
His perimeter mobility is exceptional, as is his ability to stretch the floor and be shot-ready at all times. He is excellent in transition, which allows him to make plays on the perimeter while involving others.
He may be more successful on defense with his lateral mobility. In addition to being more active in basketball. Collin Gillespie will be one of the top players in college basketball as he bids to lead Villanova to a National Championship.
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#3. Jahvon Quinerly
School: Alabama
Quinerly had a solid sophomore season for Alabama, blending in nicely with the team’s playing style. Quinerly’s three-point shooting skill has grown to 43.3 percent of the dribble and catch efficiently.
Next, he is excellent off the dribble, generating space for his shot and effortlessly going to the hoop. In addition, he understands ball screens and can use them to get downhill to the basket.
Continuing, he has excellent finishing near the basket, as well as the ability to execute tough drives with his hands. Quinerly’s ability to shoot with either hand is also amazing, making him a very effective guard and one of the best guards in college basketball.
As he continued, the area in which he could grow the most as a playmaker for others as their primary point guard would be his. With the speed at which he plays, he is also capable of being dynamic in transition with the basketball.
In terms of defense, he works hard towards the hoop and has an outstanding posture. He could play more basketball and cause more offensive turnovers. Jahvon Qunierly will be one of the most exciting players in college basketball next season.
#4. Jose Alvarado
School: Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech won the ACC tournament, capping off one of the finest seasons in team history. Next, he shoots 50.4 percent from the field and gets to the basket with tremendous technique and footwork.
He also excels at playing 1v1 in the midrange and routinely making jumpers. Furthermore, whether coming off a hand-off or slashing to the hoop, he moves rapidly on and off the basketball.
He is also a very effective perimeter shooter, making 39.0 percent of his jumpers off the catch or dribble, and is regarded as one of the best guards in college basketball. With the vigor he plays with, his overall efficacy in Georgia Tech’s Princeton attack is quite good.
In terms of defensive end, he is a good defender in Georgia Tech’s wide range of schemes. He is very active and has a lot of energy, which helps him play basketball effectively. Jose Alvarado will be one of the greatest guards in the ACC next season.
#5. Will Richardson
School: Oregon
Despite missing much of his junior season due to a fractured wrist, Richardson had a solid season. Furthermore, his perimeter shooting percentage is 40.3 percent.
Then he may attack in transition and get to the hoop. He also has a tremendous feel for the game, allowing him to attack successfully and go into the lane with ease.
Furthermore, he must be able to play despite rim contact while frequently returning to his left hand. He’s also extremely good at ball screen action, scoring the ball, and distributing the ball.
He’s also a decent rebounder for a guard and a solid transition passer. Richardson also contributes off the ball, being a continuous threat as a shooter and driver.
He is now a quality defensive player with good activity and stature, and he is one of college football’s finest guards. He can enhance his off-court performance by being more active and causing turnovers. Will Richardson will be one of the best guards in college basketball next season.
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#6. Jaden Ivey
School: Purdue
Ivey had an outstanding season and has the potential to be one of the finest college basketball players in the country next year. In addition, his three-point percentage was just 25.8 percent, but he showed the potential to improve it over the season and hit big shots when needed.
He is also excellent at running the floor in transition, spotting up, and pushing the ball. Following that, he possesses the size and physicality to go into the lane and finish through contact well.
His dribble penetration versus individual defense is good, and he can break down defenses off the bounce. His game would improve if he improved his shooting efficiency and consistency.
Ivey’s biggest feature is that he can control the game from any of the three levels. His offensive growth will be crucial in allowing him to fulfill his full potential as one of the top players in the country.
In terms of defense, he has the size and athleticism to go further. Consistency in placement and a focused effort at key moments would take him to the next level of defense. Jaden Ivey will try to lead Purdue to a Big Ten championship and a deep run in the NCAA playoffs.
Jaden is presently one of the best guards in college basketball.
#7. Remy Martin
School: Kansas
Martin was one of the best guards in college basketball during his time at Arizona State and will now transfer to Kansas. Martin will also try to be their primary guard in a backcourt with Ochai Agbaji and Christian Braun.
Martin also can regularly make shots from the outside, particularly off the dribble (34.6 percent from three). As a perimeter shooter, he is capable of playing off the ball with his mobility to stretch the floor.
He can also take opponents off the dribble and penetrate to the midrange for pull-up shots. In addition, with a plethora of Kansas scoring alternatives, he will need to improve his distribution skills. Martin’s ability to get hot at any point during a game and take over will be a huge asset for Kansas next season.
On the defensive end, he’s a solid defender who brings a lot of energy to the game. Martin lacks the stature and basketball consistency to be a well-rounded defender. Remy Martin, one of the greatest guards in the country, will be hoping to help Kansas win the National Championship.
#8. Andre Curbelo
School: Illinois
Curbelo had a fantastic rookie season and will go on to be one of the best guards in college basketball in the future. Curbelo is now capable of going into the lane and finishing around the rim with footwork and manipulation.
Next, he is a master of ball screen action, with the ability to pass to teammates and shoot from mid-range. Continued, he can make spectacular plays, but he can also make enormous mistakes; finding that balance and having a stronger assist-to-turnover ratio will be critical.
Curbelo’s tempo of play is excellent on the open floor, but he has to be more controlled in the half-court to run an offense efficiently. Curbelo must improve his ability to hit perimeter shots because he shot 16.1 percent from three, making him much easier to defend.
As a result, his ability to enter the ball into the post at an exceptional level and locate perimeter players would make him even more dangerous as a passer. As on the defensive end, he provides a lot of energy and edge to the game.
He also possesses a deceptive length that may disturb the ball handler he is protecting. Andre Curbelo has All-American potential if he can improve his jump shot and become more effective as a facilitator.
#9. Brad Davison
School: Wisconsin
Davison is a fierce competitor who is coming off a terrific season for Wisconsin and hoping for one more excellent season. To begin with, Davison’s playing must be consistent if he is to be considered one of the best guards in college basketball.
His ability to make shots from the outside has improved, as he now shoots 38.9 percent from three. With the loss of D’Mitrik Trice, he will also be required to be a better distributor for the Wisconsin offense.
He is also aggressive off the court, spreading out nicely on the outside and slashing to the basket. He also has outstanding perimeter footwork for getting set on shoots and can generate separation.
Davison’s ability to go to the basket more regularly will be critical to his development. With his energy and ability to restrict the basketball, is one of the greatest perimeter defenders in the country.
Off the court, he may develop his abilities to be a more complete defender. Davison, one of the finest players in the Big Ten, will be the guy for Wisconsin next season.
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#10. Andrew Nembhard
School: Gonzaga
With his consistency and playmaking skills, Nembhard was a significant element of Gonzaga’s success. Furthermore, Nembhard will return to the customary point guard position for Gonzaga next season to properly distribute and play a scoring role.
He gets into the lane well as a finisher and can even post up efficiently. Continued, Nembhard is a reliable spot-up three-point shooter, shooting 32.3 percent from three.
With his ability to drive the ball ahead and make important choices, he will also be a significant role in their transition game. Also, his general game sense is excellent, and he will bring a terrific pace to Gonzaga while keeping them as an elite offensive. He is one of the best guards in college basketball.
On the defensive end, he’s a competent defender who also plays well on the floor. A better location on the basketball court would assist Nembhard in creating more turnovers. Andrew Nembhard will try to lead Gonzaga to a National Championship from the point guard position.
#11. Sahvir Wheeler
School: Kentucky Wildcats
Sahvir Wheeler is one of the best point guards in the country, and even though he has not put together the same performance and numbers as he did a year ago, he is still one of the best guards in college basketball, and he is one that any help the Kentucky Wildcats make a run in the SEC to finish the season, and he has a good chance of leading his team to the Final Four. Despite not putting together the same performance and numbers
This season, Wheeler’s scoring average is 10.8 points per game, and he also contributes 2.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game on average. While guiding the Wildcats to a 2-1 record over his previous three games, including a significant 107-79 victory over the 22nd-ranked Tennessee Volunteers, he has averaged 16.7 points per game while also dishing out four assists per game.
#12. Kennedy Chandler
School: Tennessee Volunteers
After starting the season by winning 13 of their first 18 games and breaking into the AP Men’s Top 25 Rankings, the Tennessee Volunteers have put together a fantastic NCAA basketball campaign for the 2024-22 season (18th).
Kennedy Chandler, who plays the point guard position for this club, has contributed to the team’s success by averaging 13.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and nearly five assists per game throughout the season (4.9). He is also presently one of the best guards in college basketball.
Chandler has demonstrated throughout this season that he is capable of taking control of games, as evidenced by his performance of 14 points, eight assists, and five rebounds against the 18th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels, as well as his performance of 27 points during the team’s victory over Colorado in the Jimmy V Classic championship game, which the team won 69-54.
#13. Kyle Lofton
School: St. Bonaventure Bonnies
Kyle Lofton, who plays point guard for the St. Bonaventure Bonnies, is one point guard that may fly under the radar but is just as excellent as virtually everyone else on the list of the Top 10 College Basketball Point Guards in 2024. This week marks the end of January 2024.
In addition to his 13.8 points per game, Lofton pulls down 3.3 rebounds and dishes out 5.5 assists on a nightly basis. Although Lofton has had some difficulties since returning from an ankle injury, he demonstrated his abilities by scoring at least 17 points in five of the team’s first six games. This included a performance in which he had 22 points, four assists, and four rebounds in the team’s victory over Clemson’s Tiger, which the team won 68-65.
#14. Caleb Love
School: North Carolina Tar Heels
This is the second season for the guard who is from St. Louis, Missouri, and he is playing at an extremely high level for the North Carolina Tar Heels this season. Through the first 18 games of the club’s schedule, he has posted a career-high 14.6 points per game.
Love averages 14.6 points per game, 32.7 minutes per game, 3.3 rebounds per game, and 3.7 assists per game. In addition, Love plays an average of 32.7 minutes per game. Love is a superb defender who has an average of 1.4 steals per game. In addition to his playmaking talents on the offensive end of the floor, Love is one of the best in the league.
Throughout the season, Love has had five separate games in which he has scored at least 22 points, including a performance in which he scored 22 points as the team defeated the 24th-ranked Michigan Wolverines 72-51 in the CBS Sports Classic.
#15. Kendric Davis
School: SMU Mustangs
It is quite difficult to argue against the notion that Kendric Davis is one of the best point guards in all of college basketball for the current season. The point guard for the SMU Mustangs is in the top 10 or close to it among all point guards who have played this season in terms of points scored, rebounds, and assists.
Davis has played 18 games so far this season and he is averaging 21 points per game while also averaging 4.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. Davis has recorded at least 20 points in ten separate games so far this season. On December 19th, 2024, the team defeated UNM in a game that was won by a score of 90-72, and Davis scored a season-high 33 points in that game.
Davis possesses the size, quickness, and playmaking talents to find his teammates and play aggressively on the boards. He also possesses the size and speed to get to the hoop, which allows him to score.
Frequently Asked Questions
The top player on the Top 10 College Basketball Point Guards in the 2024 list is senior Antoine Davis of the Detroit Mercy Titans, who continues to dominate on the court despite his team’s troubles.
All-time greatest point guards:
Jason Kidd
Steve Nash
Chris Paul
John Stockton
Oscar Robertson
Isiah Thomas
Stephen Curry
Magic Johnson is the first name that comes to everyone’s mind when the topic of “greatest PG ever” comes up, and with good reason.
Wembanyama is the most talked-about talent among NBA scouts and executives since LeBron James in 2003, and he is the overwhelming favorite to be the first overall choice in the 2024 NBA draft. The Frenchman will be the largest and most talented foreign acquisition ever, surpassing Luka Doncic and two-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
Maravich, Pete (LSU) Pete Maravich was a one-of-a-kind player. He holds practically every NCAA scoring record.
Oscar Tshiebwe of Kentucky. Tshiebwe was chosen NCAA.com’s men’s basketball player of the week on Monday by Katz, following a 27-point, 19-rebound double-double against Florida on Saturday.
Conclusion
Top-tier performance at the point guard position, as we’ve seen throughout the years, has played a significant part in teams dominating down the stretch while making long runs, if not National Title Championships, for their respective schools.
Several stars shone at the point guard position during the 2024 NCAA Basketball season, offering great hopes for numerous good schools around the country. Meanwhile, several of these top alternatives are solidifying their status as possible top prospects for the forthcoming NBA Draft in 2024. Antoine Davis, Scottie Pippen Jr., Max Abmas, Sahvir Wheeler, and Collin Gillespie are among others in the group.
With that stated, the list above is the 15 best guards in college basketball.
References
- https://www.fanrankings.com/ – Top 10 college basketball point guards 2024 rankings
- https://bleacherreport.com/ – College basketball power rankings top 40-point guards in college hoops history
- https://thegamehaus.com/ – Top 20 college basketball point guards for the 2024-2024 season.
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