[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2025 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Liam McNeeley
Frame: 6’7″, 206 lbs
Position: Forward
School: University of Connecticut Huskies
2023 Draft Age: 19
Stats via sports-reference.com

Offense

McNeeley proved to be a sharp-shooting, high-IQ wing for the Huskies. His movement with the ball and off-ball to find creases in defenses to get his shot off helped him get clean looks, though he was also able to make difficult, highly contested attempts. While not a primary ball-handler, McNeeley has shown understanding and ability as well as a connective facilitator offensively.

Though not featured prominently, he can post up smaller defenders when caught around the basket and is a solid finisher around the rim. McNeeley does not possess elite athleticism, but certainly can break down defenses with his motion and high-level understanding of playing the proper angles and slashing to the rim.

One of the highlights of his lone season at UConn was his ability to knock down catch-and-shoot threes at a 36.7 percent clip. His IQ and sneaky athleticism enable him to relocate into space to find success from beyond the arc.

McNeeley is one of the purest shooters in this draft class. Since high school, he has diligently worked on his form, shot selection, and mechanics with the mindset of a pro. He’s been conducting himself professionally throughout high school and his freshman year at Storrs while continuing his development and growth as a player.

McNeeley also collected many accolades, including being on the third team All-Big East, Big East Freshman of the Year, and the All-Big East team. He also took home the Big East Freshman of the Week award multiple times.

While some areas of his game can improve, McNeeley has a strong physical foundation, a mechanically sound jumper, and a basketball IQ that allows him to impact the game if he isn’t scoring successfully.

Defense

Though McNeeley does not have elite athleticism, he is a strong rebounder and uses his frame to box out opposition. From a defensive standpoint, he does contain his assignments and is frequently in the right place. Still, there is significant room for improvement with his lateral quickness on this side of the ball.

McNeeley can guard multiple positions, and his defensive instincts are strong. He is also a very vocal defensive player and communicates with his teammates frequently. Improving his strength will also impact his ability to absorb contact and continue to defend strong opponents.

McNeeley’s commitment to developing his game may allow him to grow defensively. At this point, his defensive repertoire is one-dimensional.

Looking Ahead

McNeeley has areas of opportunity ahead of him by adding new dimensions to his offensive bag and finding some wiggle on his drives, as he frequently is just a straight-line driver off the three-point line. He projects to be a first-round selection this June on the first day of the draft, but his stock has dropped slightly coming out of a powerhouse high school program at Montverde and having a solid but underwhelming year at UConn.

His shooting prowess and IQ will help him at the next level with greater spacing. McNeeley could become a sharp-shooting steal in this draft class if he continues his personal development and commitment to details.

If McNeeley can continue to grow his game while driving and facilitating at a high level, he will undoubtedly see the floor and be allowed to flourish. McNeeley’s game brings to mind Wally Szczerbiak as a shooter and play connector. His effort is always there, and McNeeley will find a way to carve out a long career as a steady shooting wing.