Paul McNeil Jr. Is on a Record-Breaking Three-Point Pace at NC State

NC State sophomore guard Paul McNeil Jr. is putting together one of the most efficient and historically significant three-point shooting seasons the program has ever seen.

Through 23 games, McNeil Jr. has knocked down 73 three-pointers while shooting an elite 42.9 percent from beyond the arc. That production translates to 3.17 made threes per game, a pace that places him squarely in the middle of NC State’s record books.

If McNeil Jr. maintains that exact pace over the remainder of the season – factoring in eight remaining regular-season games and at least two postseason games – he would finish the year with 105 made three-pointers. That number would tie the NC State single-season record, currently held by DJ Horne (2023-24).

Horne reached 105 made threes in a 40-game season that included 10 postseason games, when the Wolfpack went on a miracle run through the ACC Tournament before falling to Purdue in the Final Four.

McNeil Jr. could threaten that mark in far fewer games.

NC State Single-Season Three-Point Leaders

1. DJ Horne (2023-24) – 105
2. Scott Wood (2012-13) – 104
2. Rodney Monroe (1990-91) – 104
4. Terquavion Smith (2021-22) – 96
5. Scott Wood (2011-12) – 95

Beyond sheer volume, McNeil Jr.’s efficiency is top shelf. His 42.9 percent three-point shooting currently leads the ACC. Only four players in NC State history have ever led the conference in three-point percentage over a full season:
• Terry Gannon (1983)
• Rodney Monroe (1990)
• CC Harrison (1998)
• Scott Wood (2013)

Earlier this season, McNeil Jr. already etched his name into the record books by drilling 11 three-pointers against Texas Southern, breaking NC State’s single-game record and tying the ACC single-game record set by Dennis Scott.

If Paul McNeil Jr. continues at anything close to this pace, Year 2 could end with his name permanently etched alongside the best shooters in program history.