REPORTS :UConn lands Liam McNeeley, 5-star wing who was highest-ranked uncommitted player in 2024 class…
UConn lands Liam McNeeley, 5-star wing who was highest-ranked uncommitted player in 2024 class.
Five-star wing Liam McNeeley, the highest-ranked uncommitted player in the 2024 recruiting class, has committed to Connecticut, he announced on social media Friday
McNeeley — the No. 18 player in the class, per the 247Sports Composite — previously decommitted from Indiana in March. With Friday’s announcement, he becomes UConn’s third commit in the 2024 class, joining four-star combo guard Ahmad Nowell (No. 31 overall) and four-star wing Isaiah Abraham (No. 82 overall).
At least four starters from the winning squad from this season are gone for the reigning national champions, and if redshirt sophomore wing Alex Karaban decides to stay in the NBA Draft, that number may rise to five. But in terms of rebuilding his roster, coach Dan Hurley can start using McNeeley right away.
McNeeley is 6 feet 7 inches and 210 pounds, so he can easily fit into UConn’s starting lineup. Considering that he is regarded as one of the finest shooters in the country, it might not be a terrible idea. This season, McNeeley was one of six starting players who rotated for Montverde Academy, an undefeated team that won the national high school championship. One could argue that Montverde is the best high school squad, given that all six of its starters are high-major commits.
- In terms of recruits, the top recruit in the nation, Cooper Flagg, is committed to Duke; Asa Newell, a forward, is committed to Georgia; Derik Queen, a center, is committed to Maryland; Rob Wright, a guard, is committed to Baylor; and guard Curtis Givens, a guard, is committed to Long Beach.
- However, McNeeley is not only a shooter. His college-like system at Montverde fit him well because of his excellent feel for the game, and he should be able to adapt to UConn’s intricate scheme as well. Earlier this spring, he was one of three Montverde players named a McDonald’s All-American. He also took part in the Jordan Brand Classic, which brought together the nation’s top NBA prospects.
McNeeley ranked third on that team in scoring with 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Crucially, by converting 44 percent of his team-high 155 3-point attempts, McNeeley solidified his reputation as one of the best long-range shooters in high school basketball.