McNeeley had his early swimming in the shallow waters of the basketball game when he entered J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas, before making his way to the deeper end when he moved to John Paul II High School in Plano, Texas, after the freshman year into the now-named John Paul II High School in Plano. Then a sophomore, he had himself a stellar all-around season as he averaged 17 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks per night, drawing praise from national scouts and stamping his credentials a sure-fire, five-star recruit in the class.
McNeeley made the move to further his skills to Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida – a school noted for churning out NBA prospects. At Montverde, he played alongside other top prospects and was an important part of the team. During his first season, he averaged 13.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game in the NIBC.
As a senior, he averaged 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, maintaining double-digit numbers. His leadership and performance contributed to Montverde’s undefeated season with 33-0 perfect mark and a championship win in Chipotle High School Nationals.
Recruitment and College Commitment
As a consensus five-star recruit, multiple highly successful college programs extended offers to him. McNeeley had announced his commitment to Indiana on November 8, 2023, as he inked his National Letter of Intent before seeking a release from the document at the outset on March 7, 2024, after reopening his recruitment period. On Friday, April 26, McNeeley continued his academic-athletic adventure by pledging his collegiate involvement to a perennially storied program: head coach Dan Hurley and UConn. The prospect of quality training is what mostly attracted McNeeley to the university.
UConn Freshman Season
Committing to UConn in June of 2024, McNeeley fit seamlessly into the Huskies’ system. The head coach, Dan Hurley, lauded his readiness and potential to say that McNeeley could be one of the best freshmen in the country. During his first game against Sacred Heart, McNeeley registered a solid all-around performance, which spoke volumes about his versatility and poise.
One of the most exciting moments in his freshman season came at Madison Square Garden on December 14, 2024. He went off for a then-career-high 26 points against a top-10 Gonzaga team, tacking on eight rebounds and four assists in a significant win by UConn. This performance not only underlined his scoring ability but also his capacity to excel under pressure. McNeeley has been steady all season long, as he has put up 13.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game on the year. He has turned into a legitimate weapon for the Huskies, shooting nearly 45% from three-point range and also showing skills on the other side of the court and in playmaking for others. His defense and facilitation have caught the eyes of analysts and coaches alike.
Injury Scare and Resilience
The worst of his injury came into light on January 1, 2025, when he got injured in an ankle while competing against DePaul. McNeeley left the game with an early exit, walking the court gingerly, but subsequent reports suggested the injury wasn’t that serious. He has indeed been resilient and very committed to recovery processes, and it is expected that he will return to the lineup very soon, continuing his successful freshman campaign.
NBA Draft Prospects
McNeeley has placed himself in a combination of great size, skills, and high basketball IQ for a projected lotterypick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Though noted, the explosiveness of his game and rebounding aggressiveness are clearly areas of improvement, but the overall performance promises an easy transition into professional circles.
Analysts have compared his game to the likes of NBA players such as Gordon Hayward because of how he can almost act like a de facto point guard in a pick-and-roll play, along with his quiet confidence on the court.
Personal Background and Legacy
McNeeley has an entire family lineage in basketball: from his great-grandfather down to his grandfather, mother, and two uncles, all college players who inculcated into him great knowledge and love for the game from when he was small. That fact alone only adds fuel to the fire, furthering his desire to elevate his game and continue a very rich history with his family at the highest levels of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What position is Liam McNeeley?
Liam McNeeley usually plays as a small forward, impacting both ends of the floor with size and shooting.
Which high school did Liam McNeeley attend?
McNeeley went to J.J. Pearce High School and John Paul II High School in Texas before going to Montverde Academy in Florida, where he finished his high school career.
Why did Liam McNeeley have to de-commit to the Indiana University?
McNeeley originally committed to Indiana, but he sought a release from his National Letter of Intent in March 2024. He later committed to the University of Connecticut in April 2024.
What are Liam McNeeley’s strengths as a player?
He’s also known for a very good three-point shooting, high basketball IQ, versatility, and a bit of defense. McNeeley is quick to decide and always remains quietly confident on offense.
Is Liam McNeeley projected to go to the NBA?
Yes, McNeeley is
