Image Credit - Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Liam McNeely Draft Projection: What Teams Might Target Him in the 2025 NBA Draft?

Where will McNeely end up on draft night?

Image Credit - Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Liam McNeely comes from a family deeply rooted in basketball, both on and off the court. His mother, Ashley Elsey, played Division I at Rice University. It is her that had motivated the 19-year-old to pick basketball as a professional career.

Not only this, McNeely is a fourth generation athlete in his family with his great-grandfather, grandfather, and uncles being involved in sports. He was a five star recruit committing to UConn in April 2024. The forward had a massive campaign at the NCAA, 2024-25 season.

He averaged 14.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, shooting 38.1% from the field. The UConn Huskies finished at the third position in the Big East Conference with a record of 24-11. They were eliminated by the Florida Gators in the second round.

Liam McNeely just finds ways to win

He dropped 20 in a pivotal win against Villanova today and averages 21.8 over his last 4

He checks all of the boxes for a player who will make an instant impact as a pro with his passing, defense, and shotmaking pic.twitter.com/qq8bd8h9NZ
— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) February 19, 2025

Liam McNeely Scouting Report – Strengths and Weaknesses

Strength

Though he shot just 31.7% from three, McNeely thrived in catch-and-shoot scenarios, particularly when curling off screens and relocating on the perimeter.

McNeely constantly relocates to find open shots, creating space even when not scoring. He averaged 10.6 three-point attempts per 100 possessions.

Weaknesses

Liam McNeely shot just 38.1 percent from the field and 31.7 percent from three at UConn. This raises concerns about his shot selection and contested looks.

He has his own defensive limitations and can be exposed by quicker guards or stronger forwards.

Liam McNeely Stats and Accomplishments at UConn Huskies

In his freshman campaign at UConn, McNeely put up 14.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, building a strong case for the 2025 NBA Draft.

McNeely accomplishments (2024-25)

Big East Freshman of the Year (2025)

Big East All-Freshman Teams (2025)

Third-Team All-Big East (2025)

NABC All-District First Team

Liam McNeely’s Draft Projection

According to several leading mock drafts, Liam McNeely is widely projected to be picked in the 18–19 range, with the Wizards and Nets showing notable interest.