Greatest Hoosier Shooters

Indiana is a state synonymous with great shooters — a place where jump shots are honed in barns, driveways, and high school gyms under the glow of flickering lights. Few programs embody that tradition more than Indiana University basketball. Across generations, the Hoosiers have produced some of the finest shooters in the game — players whose form, confidence, and clutch moments defined eras. Here’s a look at ten of the greatest shooters in Indiana Hoosier basketball history.

10) Keith Smart

Keith Smart’s name will forever be etched into Hoosier lore for one defining moment — the shot. In the 1987 National Championship game against Syracuse, Smart drained a baseline jumper with five seconds left, sealing Indiana’s fifth NCAA title and immortalizing himself in March Madness history. But beyond that iconic play, Smart was a consistently reliable scorer and clutch performer during his two seasons in Bloomington.

A JUCO transfer from Garden City Community College, Smart immediately adapted to Bob Knight’s disciplined system. He shot over 50 percent from the field and an impressive 85 percent from the free-throw line in his IU career — remarkable efficiency for a perimeter player in that era. His midrange pull-up was nearly automatic, and his calm under pressure made him a leader on the 1987 championship squad. Smart’s poise, accuracy, and perfect timing made him one of the most unforgettable shooters ever to wear the cream and crimson.

Hoosier Rising – Keith Smart Describes “The Shot”

9) Ted Kitchel

Ted Kitchel was the epitome of a disciplined Bob Knight player — smart, efficient, and deadly accurate. Kitchel’s shooting form was textbook, and his ability to knock down midrange jumpers made him one of the most consistent scorers of the early 1980s. His breakout came during the 1981–82 season when he led the Hoosiers in scoring at 19.6 points per game while shooting 53% from the field.

As a senior, Kitchel continued his superb play, averaging 17.3 points per game and helping Indiana earn a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. His leadership and reliability as a scorer anchored IU through some of its most competitive seasons. Injuries curtailed parts of his career, but when healthy, Kitchel was an indispensable part of Indiana’s offense. His smooth stroke and ability to create off curls or spot-ups made him a nightmare for defenders in an era before the three-point line became a weapon.

Big Ten Elite: 1981 Indiana Basketball 2

8) Brian Evans

Brian Evans was one of the most versatile forwards to ever suit up for Indiana — a big man who could stretch the floor long before “stretch forwards” were trendy. His smooth left-handed jumper and confidence from deep made him a matchup problem for any defense. During his senior season in 1995–96, Evans averaged 21.2 points per game and was named Big Ten Player of the Year.

Evans shot over 80% from the free-throw line for his career and was known for his ability to score from anywhere on the court. He could post up smaller defenders, shoot over the top of big men, or hit clutch threes off pick-and-pops. His final season showcased his full offensive repertoire, leading IU to a second-place Big Ten finish. Evans’ combination of size, touch, and basketball IQ helped him finish his career with 1,701 points and a legacy as one of the Hoosiers’ most reliable shooters of the 1990s.

Hoosier Basketball legend Brian Evans for three against Kansas!

7) Matt Roth

Few players have ever embraced the three-point shot quite like Matt Roth. Over 90 percent of his field goal attempts came from beyond the arc — a statistic that perfectly sums up his role and precision. In four seasons (2008–12), Roth became the ultimate floor spacer, forcing defenses to account for his lethal range every time he stepped onto the court.

Roth’s shooting mechanics were flawless: quick release, consistent footwork, and perfect arc. He shot 54.5% from three during his senior season — one of the best marks in Big Ten history. While not a high-volume scorer, his ability to change momentum with a barrage of threes made him invaluable to Tom Crean’s rebuilding Hoosiers. Roth wasn’t flashy, but when he caught fire, Assembly Hall erupted. His dedication and accuracy earned him the reputation of one of IU’s most specialized and deadly pure shooters ever.

Matt Roth. 2011-12

6) Jimmy Rayl

Before the three-point line existed, Jimmy Rayl was already playing like it did. Known as “The Splendid Splinter” of Hoosier basketball, Rayl twice scored 56 points in a single game — a school record that still stands. A two-time All-American and All-Big Ten selection, Rayl averaged 24 points per game during his junior and senior seasons.

What made Rayl special was his range — he could hit shots from what would now be NBA three-point distance. His quick release and confidence were unmatched in the early 1960s. He made 32 straight free throws during his IU career and consistently shot around 43% from the field in an era dominated by post play. Rayl’s performances against the likes of Ohio State and Purdue are still remembered as legendary. His name may come from an older era, but his shooting prowess would’ve thrived in any generation.

Remembering Jimmy Rayl’s fantastic basketball life

5) Randy Wittman

Randy Wittman’s steady hand and consistent shooting defined the early 1980s for Indiana basketball. As a key member of the 1981 National Championship team, Wittman was known for his reliability — particularly his midrange jumper from the baseline. His timely basket just before halftime in the title game against North Carolina was one of the pivotal moments in IU’s victory.

During the 1982–83 season, Wittman earned Second Team All-American honors as Indiana rose to No. 1 nationally. He averaged 19.0 points per game while shooting over 50% from the field. Even without the benefit of a three-point line, Wittman’s perimeter accuracy stood out. His calm demeanor and mechanical consistency translated well into a long NBA career. At Indiana, he epitomized Bob Knight’s ideal — a player who took smart shots, made good decisions, and always came through when his team needed a basket.

Indiana vs Ohio State – 3/12/83

4) Calbert Cheaney

Calbert Cheaney wasn’t just a great shooter — he was one of the greatest all-around players in Big Ten history. Still the conference’s all-time leading scorer, Cheaney’s offensive versatility was built on the foundation of his smooth and efficient shooting stroke. His 43.8% career mark from beyond the arc is astounding, especially considering the variety of shots he took.

Cheaney was never a one-dimensional player. He scored in transition, posted up smaller defenders, and was lethal pulling up off screens. Yet, when Indiana needed a big three, he delivered — his high-arching jumper was poetry in motion. His ability to hit from deep while also attacking the rim made him nearly impossible to guard. Cheaney’s poise and consistency helped lead IU to three Big Ten titles and a Final Four berth in 1992. Simply put, Cheaney’s shooting defined excellence — efficient, elegant, and unrelenting.

Indiana vs Northwestern – 3/4/1993 – Calbert Cheaney Breaks Both Records

3) Jay Edwards

Jay Edwards’ career at Indiana was brief but unforgettable. A high school legend from Marion, Indiana, Edwards arrived in Bloomington with enormous expectations — and he exceeded them. As a freshman, he set an NCAA record by shooting 53.6% from three-point range, a mark that still ranks among the best ever. That same year, he averaged 20 points per game and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

Edwards had an effortless release and elite touch — his jumper was pure silk. He hit big shots in critical moments, including numerous game-winners that showcased his clutch gene. His smooth mechanics and natural scoring instincts made him one of the most gifted offensive players to wear the IU uniform. Though he left early for the NBA, his two seasons remain among the most efficient and exciting shooting displays in program history.

Jay Edwards buzzer beater

2) Jordan Hulls

Jordan Hulls was born to shoot a basketball. The Bloomington native grew up dreaming of wearing the Hoosier uniform, and when he finally did, he became the ultimate homegrown hero. Hulls’ pure stroke and lightning-quick release turned him into one of the deadliest three-point shooters in the nation.

Over his four-year career, Hulls shot 44.1% from three and 85.5% from the free-throw line, ranking among IU’s all-time leaders in both categories. He made 58 consecutive free throws between the 2010 and 2011 seasons — a program and Big Ten record. Hulls was more than a shooter; he was a steady leader who helped guide IU back to national relevance under Tom Crean. His leadership and accuracy were instrumental in Indiana’s 2013 Big Ten title run and two Sweet Sixteen appearances. Hulls wasn’t the biggest or most athletic, but when the ball left his hands, it almost always found the bottom of the net.

Jordan Hulls Highlights

1) Steve Alford

Steve Alford remains the gold standard for shooting excellence at Indiana University. A four-year starter and team MVP every season, Alford combined flawless form, unshakable confidence, and relentless work ethic to become IU’s all-time leading scorer with 2,438 points. He shot over 50% from the field for his career, including 53% in 1987 — the first season with the three-point line.

Alford’s performance in the 1987 NCAA Championship game cemented his legend. He hit seven three-pointers against Syracuse, keeping Indiana afloat until Keith Smart’s final shot. A two-time All-American and 1984 Olympic gold medalist under Bob Knight, Alford’s shooting mechanics were nearly perfect — compact, balanced, and repeatable. Every shot looked the same, whether it was a free throw, a pull-up, or a deep three. Few players have ever represented the ideal of Indiana basketball more completely than Steve Alford — precise, fearless, and fundamentally perfect.

Steve Alford- 1987 NCAA Tourney Scoring Highlights