Shooters aren’t born, they’re made. Made by the players who have the heart and dedication to put blood, sweat and tears, not to mention hours upon hours in a gym, just to hopefully one day say they have earned every bit of their success.

This has been brought to people’s attention this year by many amazing shooters, whether it’s in college or professional.

Lets start with the players who are getting paid. On Feb. 10, one of the greatest shooters ever, Ray Allen broke the record for most 3-point shots made in a NBA career. The record was formerly held by Reggie Miller, who made 2,560 3-pointers.

After hitting the shot that gave him the record, Allen immediately ran to acknowledge the former 3-point king Reggie Miller, who was calling the game for TNT. The two embraced with a hug, which shows you how much respect great shooters have for one another. They know what went into perfecting their jump shots, which is a bond that may have a similar consistency to blood.

Many basketball historians have chastised the creation of the 3-point line since its inception in the NCAA during the 1986 season. But it has created a new type of superstar, one who isn’t celebrated for his high-flying or quick-dribbling, but for his lethal jump shot.

It is a little ironic that the 3-point line was not installed until Reggie Miller’s senior year at UCLA. But that same line he was introduced to that year would become his soul mate forever.

These days great shooters in college have been enamored with the 3-point line since their pee-wee days.

One of those being Jimmer Fredette, who is the point guard for BYU. He has become a household name in the basketball world for his 30-foot jump shots and spectacular scoring performances.

Fredette currently leads the nation in scoring with 27.3 ppg. He has scored 40-plus points on three occasions this year — all coming within a four-game span, beginning with a 47-point effort against Utah, and ending with a 43-point performance against then fourth-ranked San Diego State University.

There are many good shooters in college basketball, but two more great shooters, Andrew Goudelock of College of Charleston and Vanderbilt’s John Jenkins, have been giving their opponents sleeping problems and indigestion all year.

Just ask University of Tennessee head coach Bruce Pearl, who has witnessed each player firsthand. Goudelock lit up UT for 31 points and a victory, with each basket increasing in difficulty. Jenkins scored 21 points for Vanderbilt, but that wasn’t enough. UT won that game 67-64.

With all that being said, while these players are great in college how will they translate in the league?

One of the greatest college shooters of all-time, J.J. Redick, has been somewhat of a mediocre player with the Orlando Magic. And do I even need to mention Adam Morrison, who can be found at the end of someone’s bench in street clothes.

But at least these great shooters can give the normal person hope. It shows that hard work and dedication can help overcome some of your shortcomings. They prove that talent can be learned, and is not always a “God-given” gift.

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