Liam McNeeley has some very realistic concerns surrounding him before the NBA draft, but the benefits are very clear.
After winning two NCAA titles, UConn Huskies repeatedly started the 2024-25 season as a favorite, ranking third in the preseason polls. The Superstars’ Stephen Castle and Donovan Klingan moved to the NBA, but the Husky did a decent job of swapping them.
However, after 0-3 in Maui’s Invitational Tournament, it was revealed that this version of the Husky wasn’t as dominant as in previous seasons. In the insanity of March, they were the eighth seed, and ultimately lost to the Florida champion in nail bitters by just two points.
Despite the disappointing season, Wing’s Liam McNely is ready to bring his talent to the NBA. Even in the loaded 2025 NBA draft class, McNeeley could be selected for the lottery.
Before the draft lottery, there’s everything fans need to know about the first round pick.
- Age/Date of Birth: 19 (October 10, 2005)
- Height/Weight: 6ft 8, 210lbs
- University: Connecticut University Husky University
- Career Statistics: 14.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 38.1 FG%, 31.7 3pt%
- NCAA Tournament Statistics: 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 27.5 FG%, 18.8 3pt%
- Career Highs: 38 points (Clayton vs.), 11 rebounds (vs. St. John’s, New Hampshire), 7 assists (vs. Butler)
- NBA comparison: Harrison Burns
McNeeley is expected to become a high-level NBA shooter, especially after he finds a foothold, despite lack of statistics at university. He made more than 36% of his catch-and-shoot 3, and was expected to create for himself in college.
But in the NBA, he plays from the ball and should be good there. He moves incredibly well as a shooting threat, and if his defender is closing him, he can find an open man, and it seems to be open whenever he plays next to a true facilitator.
He’s by no means the best defender, but he’s been asked to do too much as the centre of the Husky roster. In a smaller role, he should be able to protect his fellow wings, but faster ones may give him a challenge.
He’s not the best athlete, but he’s definitely serving, NBA height and weight, and considering that some of his weaknesses can only be fixed in practice, he’s ready to get a rep immediately.
It is impossible to ignore that a player who was promoted as a good shooter only made 31.7% of his shots from deep in college. Even if there is reason to believe he can fix that part of his game, there is doubt until he proves us wrong.
He’s also not the best shooter from dribbling. In college, he was tasked with creating for himself. If he plays a similar role in the NBA, he gets in trouble, but he doesn’t have a facility to carry out attacks (or defense) in the NBA so there’s no need to worry.
In defense, he should be able to hold himself against the wings, but his versatility is undoubtedly weak as he does not have the speed to transition into security guards or the strength of a big, large cover.
If shooting arrives, all his weaknesses will be easier to overlook, but if not, he will have a very short career.
McNeeley has won basketball with his hard nose despite some clear obstacles. He’s not a star, but as a pickup in the middle round, he should be a very solid role player and have a long career.
The team drafting him hopes the shooting comes. The Portland Trail Blazers can be used for filming, particularly around Scoot Henderson and Shedon Sharp. Neither of them are snipers.
If the Detroit Pistons can’t trade Tobias Harris or revive Tim Hardaway Jr. or Malik Beasley, McNeely isn’t a bad rookie replacement, and he and Orserle Thompson on the Wing give the Piston a bit.
Once the San Antonio Spurs are built around Jeremy Sochan, Stefon Castle, Dearon Fox and Victor Wenbanaima, their only excellent young shooter is Devin Vassel. Wenbanyama earned only 35% of his 35% this season, which is perfect for a 7-foot-4 center, but adding space could be a priority.
In the NBA, you can’t shoot enough. If McNeely is meeting expectations, which team will be better for him to get off the bench next season, but that’s not a guarantee.