Who Leads College Basketball in Scoring Now?

By Sarah Miller · February 21, 2037

As of the 2024-2025 NCAA basketball season, RJ Davis from the University of North Carolina leads all Division I players in scoring, averaging 23.8 points per game. His consistent offensive production, elite shooting efficiency, and leadership as a senior guard have made him the top scorer in college basketball today.

Who Is Currently the Leading Scorer in College Basketball?

RJ Davis of the North Carolina Tar Heels has emerged as the most prolific scorer in NCAA Division I men's basketball for the 2024-2025 season. A consensus All-American and former ACC Player of the Year, Davis combines elite shot creation, off-ball movement, and clutch performance to maintain his position at the top of the scoring leaderboard.

Why RJ Davis Stands Out

High-volume yet efficient scoring across all three levels
Strong usage rate without sacrificing team play
Proven ability to perform under pressure in conference and tournament games
Advanced offensive IQ and footwork reminiscent of NBA-level guards

Top Scorers in NCAA Men's Basketball 2024-2025

The following table highlights the leading scorers in Division I college basketball as of October 2025, based on official NCAA statistics through early-season matchups and projected full-season averages.

Player	Team	Position	PPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
RJ Davis	North Carolina	Guard	23.8	.487	.412	.895
Zach Edey (2023)	Purdue	Center	22.3	.612	.275	.801
Trayce Jackson-Davis (2023)	Indiana	Forward	20.7	.564	.333	.778
Aaron Gordon (Historical)	Arizona	Forward	17.8	.547	.333	.647

Table data source:NCAA Official Stats, Sports Reference CBB

The data shows that RJ Davis not only leads in points per game but also excels in shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc and the free-throw line. Unlike traditional big men who score near the basket, Davis achieves high volume through perimeter scoring while maintaining an elite true shooting percentage (TS%) of 62.4%. This blend of volume and efficiency is rare in modern college basketball.

How Scoring Leaders Are Evaluated

While raw points per game (PPG) is the most cited metric, a complete evaluation includes:

Usage Rate: Percentage of team plays used while on the floor
True Shooting Efficiency (TS%): Accounts for 2PT, 3PT, and FT accuracy
Game Context: Performance against ranked opponents and in close games
Shot Creation: Ability to generate offense without assists

Davis ranks in the top 5 nationally in both PPG and offensive win shares, underscoring his comprehensive impact.

Trends Among High-Volume Scorers

Modern college basketball has seen a shift toward guard-dominated scoring leaders. Unlike past eras dominated by dominant post players like Pete Maravich or Zach Edey, today’s top scorers are often combo guards with three-point range and advanced ball-handling skills.

Key Trends Include:

Increase in three-point attempts among top scorers (average of 7.2 3PA per game)
Higher assist rates, indicating dual threat capability
Greater reliance on mid-range pull-ups and step-backs
More transfers leveraging NIL deals to extend eligibility and boost stats

Frequently Asked Questions About College Basketball Scoring Leaders

Who leads college basketball in scoring right now?

RJ Davis from the University of North Carolina leads NCAA Division I men's basketball in scoring for the 2024-2025 season, averaging 23.8 points per game.

Has a freshman ever led the nation in scoring?

Yes, though it's rare. Kevin Durant averaged 25.8 points per game as a freshman at Texas in 2006-2007, leading the nation. No freshman has repeated this feat since, due to increased depth and competition.

What is the highest single-season scoring average in college basketball history?

Pete Maravich holds the record, averaging 44.2 points per game over his career at LSU (1967–1970), including a peak of 44.5 PPG in 1970. His totals were achieved before the three-point line and shot clock existed.

Do scoring leaders usually get drafted into the NBA?

High scorers often attract attention, but NBA scouts prioritize efficiency, defense, and athleticism. Players like Zach Edey (2023) were drafted high despite lower mobility due to elite scoring efficiency, while others with high PPG but poor defense may go undrafted.

How is points per game calculated in college basketball?

Points per game (PPG) is calculated by dividing a player’s total points scored by the number of games they’ve played. Games in which a player appears briefly still count toward the denominator, making sustained performance critical for leaderboard placement.