Liam McNeeley

McNeeley is an American forward who entered the NBA as a first-round pick after a decorated high school career across multiple Texas programs and a single season with the UConn Huskies. Known for his scoring instincts and positional size, he was rated among the elite prospects in the 2024 class before transitioning to the collegiate and professional levels.

Born on October 10, 2005, in Richardson, Texas, McNeeley grew up in the Dallas suburbs and initially attended J.J. Pearce High School. After his freshman year, he transferred to John Paul II High School in Plano, where he averaged 17 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks per game as a sophomore. Seeking stronger competition, he transferred again to Montverde Academy in Florida, a premier basketball prep program.

At Montverde, McNeeley averaged 13.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in National Interscholastic Basketball Conference competition as a junior. He averaged 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game as a senior and was selected to play in the 2024 McDonald's All-American Boys Game. He was a consensus five-star recruit according to major recruiting services.

McNeeley committed to UConn and played one season for the Huskies, where his shooting and size made him a rotation contributor as a freshman. He declared for the 2025 NBA draft and was selected by the Charlotte Hornets. The draft represented the culmination of a developmental path that included multiple high school stops and a brief but productive collegiate tenure.

McNeeley is a versatile forward with a smooth shooting stroke and the size to score over smaller defenders. His game is built on mid-range scoring, spot-up shooting, and off-ball movement. He has shown flashes of playmaking and defensive versatility, with a frame that suggests long-term potential as a stretch forward at the NBA level.