Get to know Liam McNeeley
Liam McNeeley sits down with Andy Katz to discuss this year's NBA Draft and what he brings to the table.
Overview
Liam McNeeley started his high school career at J.J. Pearce High School and John Paul II High School before transferring to a high-profile team, Montverde Academy, for his final two years. McNeeley was selected for the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game, was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2024 class, which led to his UConn recruitment ahead of the 2024-25 college season. The 6-foot-7 forward made 27 appearances for Connecticut in his freshman year, averaging 14.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game before declaring his intention to be part of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Analysis
McNeeley is a skilled wing with enough tools to thrive on both ends of the court. He has an advanced feel for the game, particularly on the defensive end, while offering a polished all-around offensive repertoire. His shooting numbers weren’t outstanding at the college level, but he has a good stroke and wields above-average fundamentals. McNeeley’s IQ allows him to read the game well on both ends of the court and make smart reads. One of his strongest assets is his ability to create his own shot, and he excels as a player who launches off screens and can facilitate in the pick-and-roll. His offensive game is a step or two ahead of his defensive game, but he’s not a liability on that end. McNeeley can make good reads, understands when to help if necessary and communicates well on the defensive end.
Quotable
“NBA teams saw that I’m a real competitor. I bring toughness. I can space the floor and shoot, play-make a little. I’m a guy who will have a hard nose and do the dirty work. Someone who will do everything he can to win.” — Liam McNeeley
Some stats & tidbits
McNeeley’s mother Ashley Elsey (Rice), two uncles (SMU and Baylor), a grandfather (TCU) and a great grandfather (Tulsa) all played college basketball … Spent his childhood in Texas before moving to Florida to attend Montverde Academy as a high school junior … McNeeley set a UConn freshman scoring record in a Big East game with 38 points in a 70-66 win over Creighton on Feb. 11, 2025.
Projection
McNeeley projects as a prototypical small forward in today’s NBA, and although his shooting stands to develop, he has enough tools to be a player who can get the job done on both ends of the court. The true upside of his career could be determined by his shooting, and the early signs are encouraging. A realistic comparison for him could be Corey Kispert.
— Profile by RotoWire.com