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Breaking: Liam McNeeley Joins Charlotte Hornets After NBA Draft Day Trade
Charlotte, NC – in a whirlwind of draft night deals, UConn forward Liam McNeeley has landed with the Charlotte Hornets. Initially selected by the Phoenix Suns as the 29th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, McNeeley was promptly traded, marking a significant addition to the Hornets roster.
McNeeley’s Path to the Pros
Liam McNeeley’s journey to the NBA is a testament to his dedication and skill. The Richardson, Texas native showcased his talent at J.J. Pearce High before transferring to John Paul II in Plano. He concluded his prep career at Montverde Academy in Florida and earned recognition as a 2024 McDonald’s All-American.
His single season with the UConn Huskies solidified his status as a top prospect. McNeeley was named the 2025 Big East Freshman of the Year and earned Third Team All-Big East honors after averaging 14.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
statistical Highlights from UConn
McNeeley’s performance at UConn demonstrated his scoring ability and all-around game:
- Points Per Game: 14.5
- Rebounds Per Game: 6.0
- Assists Per Game: 2.3
- Field Goal Percentage: 38.1%
- Three-Point Percentage: 31.7%
- Free Throw Percentage: 86.6%
Analyzing McNeeley’s Potential Impact on the Hornets
While McNeeley possesses a smooth shot and excels at drawing fouls, some analysts note occasional struggles with his shooting consistency. According to a recent report, McNeeley experienced shooting slumps during the Big East tournament and leading up to the NCAA Tournament.Despite these challenges, his range and quick release offer promise for early playing time.
| Strengths | Areas for Improvement |
|---|---|
| Smooth,natural shooting stroke | Shooting Consistency |
| Ability to draw fouls | Athleticism |
| Quick Release | Performance under pressure |
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on McNeeley’s development with the Hornets’ coaching staff. Improved consistency could unlock significant potential.
A Legacy of UConn First-Rounders
McNeeley becomes the 25th player from UConn to be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft, joining a distinguished list of alumni. Recent uconn draftees include Stephon Castle (4th 2024), Donovan Clingan (7th 2024), and Jordan Hawkins (14th 2023).
Other notable UConn first-round picks include Kemba Walker,Andre Drummond,and