After a rather long wait, Liam McNeeley, the 19-year-old Connecticut wing, finally heard his name called when he was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets as the 29th pick.
The Hornets are getting a smart, sharpshooting wing who is highly coachable. He’s not built to dominate on the ball, but that’s not what Charlotte needs. They’re betting on his feel, footwork, and decision-making.
Dan Hurley Celebrates McNeeley’s Historic Achievement
As McNeeley makes the shift to NBA hardcourts, his college coach couldn’t be prouder. Dan Hurley was soaking it all in, with genuine emotion evident as his former player achieved his NBA dream.
Coach Hurley has never been the kind of person to hold back on emotions, especially when it comes to the squad he has been training. It was no different at the Barclays Center. Once McNeeley’s name was called, Hurley took to X to share an emotional but iconic moment.
Hurley posted a picture of the NBA first-round picks wall at UConn on X. The caption was just as emotional with Hurley writing, “Exclusive Club…On the Wall…This guy is special and will have a big-time NBA career! 🐺💙.”
Exclusive Club…On the Wall…This guy is special and will have a big time NBA career! 🐺💙 pic.twitter.com/mCeZsvEG6T
— Dan Hurley (@dhurley15) June 26, 2025
It is a big moment for the head coach, too. McNeeley is the latest in a growing line of first-rounders under Hurley. He joins names like James Bouknight, Jordan Hawkins, Donovan Clingan, and Stephon Castle.
McNeeley’s Remarkable Season Despite Adversity
Despite having played just one season in Storrs, McNeeley managed to make an impact. He started in 26 of 27 games, clocked over 32 minutes a night, and led the team in scoring with 14.5 points per game. He was also second in rebounds with 6.0 per game and shot 86.4% from the free throw line.
McNeeley accomplished all of this while dealing with an ankle injury that nagged him through the back half of the season. The draft was the culmination of an emotional journey, but the emotions did not stop despite getting drafted.
When the cameras found McNeeley on draft night, his tears didn’t come at the sound of his own name. The moment he broke down was when he spoke about his Montverde Academy brothers. The fellow draftees who shared the long road with him. “So proud of them and the dream come true,” said McNeeley while standing next to his mom, choking up.
Liam McNeeley got emotional when talking about his former Montverde teammates getting drafted ❤️ @SCNext pic.twitter.com/y7JxQftq1v
— ESPN (@espn) June 26, 2025
It was at Montverde Academy that McNeeley averaged over 13 points and 4 rebounds in his first season. In his senior year, he continued that trajectory and earned a spot in the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game.
His most memorable college performance came when he set a UConn freshman scoring record in a Big East game with 38 points against Creighton on Feb. 11, 2025.
Perfect Fit for Charlotte’s Needs
From the looks of it, the Hornets have struck gold in the late first round. They were on the hunt for a floor-spacer with high IQ, unselfish instincts, and secondary playmaking skills. Somebody who can move without the ball, make passes, and keep the offense flowing.
While there are concerns like McNeeley not being the fastest defender and his three-point shooting dipping to 31.7% while injured, the Hornets are looking at the bigger picture. Coach Hurley put it best when he wrote, “This guy is special.”
Alongside fellow first-rounder Kon Knueppel, McNeeley brings badly needed shooting to a team that ranked 28th in three-point percentage last season. McNeeley could be the answer to the Hornets’ crisis, and they seem to know it, too.
