2024 Recruiting: Liam McNeeley Reopens Recruitment

[UConnJim]

Every team has to "add a 0" with the NIL. Kansas didn't suddenly outspend Indiana. The kid de-committed because he didn't like the direction Indiana is heading.

Supposedly, the Indiana offense hasn't done a good job of creating 3 point shots. Kansas (or UConn) is a better fit for his game.

 

[Stew Crew]

If the last 2 years has taught us anything, cultural fit is just as important, if not more important, than skill level. In the current team, I see two potential lottery picks diving for loose balls (clingan's dive in the Marquette game might be my favorite play of the year). We have not always seen that (ref 2006 team of prima donnas). If UConn didn't heavily pursue this kid, I would have to wonder if he would really be a good fit culturally.

 

[QDOG5]

Woodson basically on a one year prove it contract next year.

 

[Fishy]

Supposedly, the Indiana offense hasn't done a good job of creating 3 point shots. Kansas (or UConn) is a better fit for his game.

Supposedly?

 

[ctchamps]

Woodson basically on a one year prove it contract next year.

I'm wondering how much consideration in keeping Woodson for one more year was based on not losing McNeeley.

 

[ibleedhuskyblue]

Woodson basically on a one year prove it contract next year.

I can't believe they're bringing him back. Seems insane to me

 

[ibleedhuskyblue]

I'm wondering how much consideration in keeping Woodson for one more year was based on not losing McNeeley.

He brought in top level hs recruits and transfers, and couldnt win this season. Are they expecting a different outcome this time ?
Wacky

 

[BigTenFan]

He brought in top level hs recruits and transfers, and couldnt win this season. Are they expecting a different outcome this time ?
Wacky

He is an Indiana legend from Knight era- I wish he would have left gracefully and taken an 'advisor' position like Phil Martelli did at Michigan- It is not going to end well in Bloomington.
I wouldn't be surprised if one or two players don't leave Purdue to start at IU. Purdue roster is stacked for the next 3 years

 

[kansashusky]

I was told Kenya Hunter went to Indiana to win multiple National Championships.

 

[UConniki]

Who wants a freshman when Hurley’s biggest talent is finding 6th year super seniors like Joey California and Yell at Clouds Cam

Don’t forget about Tristan

 

[huskyfan224]

I can't believe they're bringing him back. Seems insane to me

He has never been a good coach, he’s the definition of average or below average and it’s one of the funniest hires I’ve ever seen. He coached TJD and Hood-Schifino to a dozen losses lol.

The last month or so IU fans have definitely changed their tune on him, they should be going after May or Beard

 

[dennismenace]

He would fit in incredibly in our offense. Probably a long shot since we weren't involved originally though

He sure would fit in great based on this evaluation.

EVALUATED 07/08/2023​

Adam FinkelsteinDIRECTOR OF SCOUTING


Liam McNeeley has one of the best combinations of skill and basketball acumen in the national class. He came up the ranks known as a shooter – and for good reason as he has clean mechanics, a compact release, and shot over 40% from behind the three-point line in both the NIBC and EYBL seasons – but he’s far more versatile than just a specialist. He’s particularly adept at coming off screens, making instinctual reads, and then attacking defenders while they are on the move. That can mean movement threes, but it can also mean curls, dribble penetration, and an ability to get downhill at times. McNeeley has a high natural feel for the game and is a good passer who can also facilitate for others around him. In fact, Montverde frequently made him the featured player of their half-court offense during his junior season and relied on his ability to make decisions with the ball in his hands, not necessarily as a primary ball-handler, but as the first domino in many of their actions. Physically, he’s not especially long or athletic, but he has legit size at over 6-foot-7 with his shoes on, a sturdy base, and increasingly strong and cut upper body. He’s made strides being able to stay in front of more athletic wings on the defensive end, in large part because he’s aware enough to be in the right spots and take the right angles. Overall, McNeeley may not have the ideal physical measurables of a prototypical five-star prospect, but he is one of the most consistently productive and reliable basketball players in the class

 

[husky99]

He sure would fit in great based on this evaluation.

EVALUATED 07/08/2023​

Adam FinkelsteinDIRECTOR OF SCOUTING


Liam McNeeley has one of the best combinations of skill and basketball acumen in the national class. He came up the ranks known as a shooter – and for good reason as he has clean mechanics, a compact release, and shot over 40% from behind the three-point line in both the NIBC and EYBL seasons – but he’s far more versatile than just a specialist. He’s particularly adept at coming off screens, making instinctual reads, and then attacking defenders while they are on the move. That can mean movement threes, but it can also mean curls, dribble penetration, and an ability to get downhill at times. McNeeley has a high natural feel for the game and is a good passer who can also facilitate for others around him. In fact, Montverde frequently made him the featured player of their half-court offense during his junior season and relied on his ability to make decisions with the ball in his hands, not necessarily as a primary ball-handler, but as the first domino in many of their actions. Physically, he’s not especially long or athletic, but he has legit size at over 6-foot-7 with his shoes on, a sturdy base, and increasingly strong and cut upper body. He’s made strides being able to stay in front of more athletic wings on the defensive end, in large part because he’s aware enough to be in the right spots and take the right angles. Overall, McNeeley may not have the ideal physical measurables of a prototypical five-star prospect, but he is one of the most consistently productive and reliable basketball players in the class

Yes please.... and still a long shot at best

 

[UCTitleTown]

Woodson is 66. I don't get these schools hiring older coaches for rebuilds. Fine, they rebuild, then what? You're looking for their replacement when they retire in a few years and rolling the dice again that you'll make the right hire?

 

[RichCTBB]

Do you think players like of his caliber reopen their recruitment expecting/hoping to hear from UConn?

 

[dennismenace]

Do you think players like of his caliber reopen their recruitment expecting/hoping to hear from UConn?

If they have any brains they do. He only has potential until he wades in the water. If he was following us (since we won the NCAA last year and are a number one seed now) he just might be aware of the changes we will undergo due to the draft and graduation. Which coaching staff would he prefer over a Uconn team that has a program of winning and utilizing the very skills he possesses such as passing, three point shooting and sophisticated offenses? And would we consider reaching out? Unless the staff knows something negative that we don't I have every reason to believe they would and will.

 

[pj]

I thought Liam McNeeley was really good in the Taken series, amazing that he's good at basketball too.

 

[JohnnyJr]

Has he said anything since he decommitted? Is he completely reopening his recruitment or just going to Kansas?

 

[Scrutineer]

If they have any brains they do. He only has potential until he wades in the water. If he was following us (since we won the NCAA last year and are a number one seed now) he just might be aware of the changes we will undergo due to the draft and graduation. Which coaching staff would he prefer over a Uconn team that has a program of winning and utilizing the very skills he possesses such as passing, three point shooting and sophisticated offenses? And would we consider reaching out? Unless the staff knows something negative that we don't I have every reason to believe they would and will.

Some of our Boneyard recruiting experts say there's nothing logical about the thought process of excellent young athletes. I'd have to agree based on Cooper Flagg's decision.............and now Ngongba's too.
But were any of us logical when we were 18?

 

[Improviser]

But were any of us logical when we were 18?

We probably thought we were at that age.

Nobody thinks they are making an illogical decision at the time of their decision.

 

[UconnU]

I can't believe they're bringing him back. Seems insane to me

There has never been poorer coaching around college basketball. The Big East is the exception. Vanderbilt is planning on bringing back Stackhouse.

 

[444JR]

Good enough shooter to pitch him the Cam Spencer, Jordan Hawkins role.

 

[UconnU]

Someone has to have made the call right? Been quiet.

 

[Greedo]

Nobody thinks they are making an illogical decision at the time of their decision.

Would you like to take a tour of my mind?

 

[HuskyHawk]

Sounds like he is already a done deal to KU

Nobody needs him more. He's a perfect fit there.