UConn forward Liam McNeeley is entering the 2025 NBA draft, he tells Jonathan Givony of ESPN (Twitter link).
McNeeley, a 19-year-old coming off his freshman year, averaged 14.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 32.1 minutes per game across 27 outings (26 starts) for the Huskies. He was the Big East Freshman of the Year and earned a spot on the All-Big East third team.
Although McNeeley was viewed entering his college career as an efficient outside shooter, the 6’7″ forward made just 38.1% of his attempts from the floor and 31.7% of his three-pointers during his freshman season. However, Givony and fellow ESPN draft expert Jeremy Woo still have McNeeley ranked 14th overall on their top-100 list, projecting him as a potential lottery pick.
Givony and Woo say that the youngster’s “positional size, feel for the game, toughness, and versatility” continue to appeal to NBA teams, adding that he was probably given too much shot-creating responsibility on a team that lacked dynamic ball handlers.
Givony’s report doesn’t mention anything about McNeeley testing the draft waters while retaining his NCAA eligibility, so it sounds like his intention is to go pro.
I don’t think he has the athleticism to succeed in the NBA. He was not good in either tournament. Hopefully he doesn’t end up sliding big time and regretting this decision.
Nah what’s great about this guy is he has a very particular set of skills, skills he has acquired over a very long career. Skills that make him a nightmare for people like players on the other team…
UConn forward Liam McNeeley is a nice talent. A true wing in today standards. A 19 yr old with upside. I believe he could be a lottery pick. His splits aren’t eye popping. His mechanics are solid. I see him as a shooter. He’s hit some big shots. In gms Ive watched. OK then …..,
I look at Johni Broome from Auburn. Playing big in some big gms. 20 n 10 playing out of position at the 5. Against some good bigs. I see Big time NBA talent. I like McNeeley but he is not rated higher than Johni to me. Johni can start next year for the Knicks at the 4. I wish he would lols. He is 22 yrs old. So there will be (10-19) 19 yr olds picked ahead of him. With 60% of them not having a better career than Johni. Johni Broome should be a lottery pick. We will see if the tournament gets him in there. Right now the best I have seen is 28-30. I can’t believe he would go that low. But if True !!!! Dolan should be buying a late 1st rd pick to get him.
Ladies and gentlemen, another example of the best draft in nba history, lol.