What happened to Liam McNeeley? Dan Hurley gives big update on UConn freshman
Liam McNeeley, arguably the most exciting prospect in UConn's 2024 freshman class, reportedly suffered a calf strain ahead of the 2024-25 season. According to coach Dan Hurley, McNeeley's injury will keep him out of action for two weeks.
McNeeley picked up the injury during practice on Thursday.
"It flared up (Thursday)," said Hurley, as per the Wilton Bulletin. "We're hopeful he'll be alright in two weeks."
With the Huskies' opening game of the season taking place on Nov. 6 against the Sacred Heart Pioneers, McNeeley should have enough time to recover. However, Hurley may have to manage his minutes should he not be at 100%.
Liam McNeeley earned five-star status with his impressive high school career
Liam McNeeley made a name for himself at Montverde Academy, enjoying a productive high school basketball career. While Cooper Flagg was the headline act en route to becoming the top prospect in the Class of 2024, McNeeley wasn't far behind, excelling as a small forward while sharing the court with the Blue Devils' top prospect.
McNeeley earned McDonald's All-American status, featuring alongside Flagg in the McDonald's All-American this April. He produced the biggest moment in the game, winning it for East Team with a buzzer-beater.
On April 26, he became the second McDonald's All-American to commit to Dan Hurley and the 13th in UConn history. A five-star small forward, he was ranked the ninth overall prospect in the country per ESPN, making him the highest-ranked prospect to join the Huskies since they recruited No. 1 prospect Andre Drummond in 2011. Drummond went on to become a four-time rebounding leader in the NBA.
Hurley and the Huskies are preseason favorites heading into the 2024-25 season. Besides Liam McNeeley, the Huskies' No. 8-ranked signing class features four-star prospects Ahmad Nowell and Isaiah Abraham, along with four-star transfers Tarris Reed and Aidan Mahaney.
After winning back-to-back national championships, the Huskies are eyeing another title run this season. They are looking to become the first team since the dominant 1967-73 UCLA Bruins to achieve a rare three-peat.