Liam McNeeley: The Rise of a Young Talent in Competitive Basketball (2024)

By Jocelyn Alano August 02, 2024 07:21

Photo by AP Photo/Gregory Payan

Liam McNeeley grew up in a basketball home that had loads of history. His mother played college basketball at the Division I level, while his grandfather, great-grandfather, and two uncles enjoyed notable careers in collegiate athletics. This pedigree was responsible for their knowledge of the game at a young age and ignited an early love for basketball. One of McNeeley's earliest memories is playing basketball as a child and rapidly becoming extremely skilled, showing an innate talent that would bode well for future pursuits.

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Basketball Career

High School Performance

In high school, McNeeley began to shine on the athletic stage. He was a sophom*ore at J.J. Pearce High School and put up 17 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals and two blocks per game. Things changed for McNeeley in his high school career when he transferred to Montverde Academy, a famous basketball institution located in Montverde, Florida. In his first season at Montverde, he averaged 13.7 points and 4.5 rebounds to go with a pair of steals per night against the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC) competition. He was a 2024 McDonald's All-American boys' game selection following his senior year while averaging 12.5 points to go along with 3.8 rebounds and 2 assists.

McNeeley was also a key player in Montverde Academy's undefeated 33-0 finish. The team clinched its third championship by outlasting Lincoln, New York City. Liam's play all season only strengthened his standing as perhaps the top prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, earning a consensus five-star ranking on every major service.

Commitment and Recruitment to College

After his standout high school career, McNeeley was regarded as one of the top recruits in the country. He committed to Indiana University and signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) on November 8, 2023. However, after decommitting to his NLI on March 24, he ultimately signed up to play for the University of Connecticut (UConn) on April 26. McNeeley said he opted for UConn thanks to Husky's recent success and because Hurly is a coach McNelleey felt would develop his game best.

Breakout Roles and Awards

While at Montverde, McNeeley displayed a well-rounded game and shooting ability that established him as one of his class's better perimeter shooters.He was able to score from deep (45% 3PT) and is a capable playmaker who contributed double the number of assists as turnovers. He is a McDonald's All-American and played in the Jordan Brand Classic, adding to his status as an elite recruit.

Playing Style and Strengths

Liam McNeeleys versatility and basketball IQ factor into his playing style. At 6 foot 8 and just a hair over 185 pounds, he has the size of an NBA wing. His key strengths include:

• Shooting: McNeeley is a notable shooter, especially from three. One of the most reliable scorers in basketball here, a guy who is always going to be able to get his points.
• Ability to distribute: He possesses good touch and can pick out teammates in dangerous areas. With his unselfish nature and knowledge of the sport, he can make smart moves during tough plays.
• Defensive Competency: McNeeley is more than just a one-way player. He also plays strong defense. His size and athleticism allow him to play multiple positions at an elite level on the defensive end of the floor.
• Intangibles: McNeeley is a leader both on and off the court, in addition to his physical abilities. He's an uplifting presence to his teammates and constantly seeks ways to improve individually and as a group.

Impact and Future Outlook

High school advocates are already beginning to see the potential of Liam McNeeley and his move up in college basketball. He will be a key cog for UConn as he enters the fray. How he acclimates to various playing styles and systems will be paramount in his transition as a collegiate player.

If McNeeley can develop, the sky is the limit for his potential. Given his talent and dedication, he is expected to impact UConn's program because some are already chatting about him being a lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. How hard he works at his craft and how well he understands the sport puts him in a very good spot to transition into being a pro.

The path Liam McNeeley has traveled on his way to competitive basketball is a story of talent, labor, and grit. McNeeley started his career in Texas before blossoming into a top big man at Montverde Academy, highlighting the work he has put into his craft. As he begins his collegiate career at UConn, the basketball world is waiting to see all thathe will do and how he might help change the game.

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