When Mark Pope assembled his roster for the 2024-25 season, he placed a significant emphasis on perimeter shooting. His confidence in his team’s ability to light it up from deep proved to be well-founded, as the Wildcats made history by setting a new school record for most three-pointers in a single season.
The previous record had stood strong for more than three decades, with the 1992-93 Kentucky team holding the mark at 340 three-pointers made over the course of 34 games. However, the 2024-25 squad surpassed that total by the slimmest of margins, connecting on 341 long-range shots throughout the season. While the difference may be just one shot, the significance of this achievement is undeniable, cementing this team’s place in Kentucky’s storied basketball history.
A major contributor to this record-breaking season was Koby Brea, who led the Wildcats with an impressive 93 three-pointers. His consistency and ability to stretch the floor made him a pivotal offensive weapon. Jaxson Robinson also played a key role, knocking down 62 triples, while Ansley Almonor added 39, Lamont Butler chipped in 27, and Otega Oweh contributed 27 as well. In total, an astonishing 12 different Wildcats drained at least one three-pointer during the season, showcasing the team’s collective ability to shoot from deep.
One of the most remarkable individual turnarounds came from Collin Chandler, who emerged as a crucial shooter when it mattered most. Prior to February 15, Chandler had only made three three-pointers all season. However, in the final 11 games of the year, he caught fire, sinking 14 triples, including a standout 5-for-8 performance in the NCAA Tournament. Over the final seven games, he shot an incredible 52.1% from beyond the arc, hitting 12 of his last 23 attempts. His late-season surge provided the Wildcats with a significant boost at a critical time.
Given Mark Pope’s coaching philosophy and offensive approach, many analysts and fans suspected that Kentucky’s three-point shooting prowess could reach new heights. Pope’s previous coaching tenure at BYU was characterized by a free-flowing, perimeter-oriented style of play, and he successfully instilled a similar strategy in his Wildcats team. The results spoke for themselves, as Kentucky not only broke the three-point record but also finished the season shooting 37.5% from deep—good for the sixth-best single-season percentage in program history.
This historic achievement underscores the evolving nature of Kentucky basketball under Pope’s leadership. While the Wildcats have long been known for their dominant inside play and defensive intensity, this season demonstrated their ability to win games with a modern, perimeter-centric approach. The balance of veteran leadership and sharpshooting depth made this record-breaking feat possible, and it may only be the beginning of a new era for Kentucky basketball.
As the Wildcats continue to build upon this success, one thing is clear: opponents will need to respect their range, because Kentucky has proven they can rain down threes with the best of them.
Here’s a fully expanded version reaching approximately 500 words. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!
